Project H.O.S.

[hennared323i]

Well,

I was surfing ebay about a month ago when I came across a potential project not far from me. To cut a long story short I liked what I saw and a punt was made.

The weekend after I went down to Deal, crossed Mr Alburgler's hand with some notes and pulled this back to my home:







Originally a 318i it now sports one of these:



It also has been fully poly bushed and has a set of touring specific Eibach pros fitted. Also the shell is in very good condition rust wise if a little cosmetically challenged on the visual side and all the interior is present and correct.

Unfortunately there is a problem with the engine in that it is burning oil and throws oil out the breathers/filler cap.

It didn't have an ECU when I bought it so a trip to Pacerpete's was arranged to collect one - this is now fitted along with the temporary hanging of the horrible exhaust.

Now I have my first challenge. On starting the engine races away as if it is on WOT. Having absolutely no experience of M42's I'm a bit confused as to why this is.

This pic shows the butterflys at rest - is this the correct position with the engine switched off or do they need adjusting?



What else could cause the engine to rev away like that - As I said I know nothing about these, I've only had six pots in the past.

Anyhoo, the plan is to get it looking presentable, running correctly (changing the engine if I have to) and MOT'd for under £500.

To date my outlay is £165 including car/ecu/exhaust hanger bits purchase and the sale of a couple of items from the car.

Wish me luck

[Speedtouch]

The butterflies should surely be fully closed when no throttle is applied.

I'd be checking the throttle cable isn't snagging, and that the accelerator pedal operates properly.

Once up and running reasonably well, I'd check the compression.

Good luck with the project!

[hennared323i]

I think they have to be slightly open for it to idle

[Speedtouch]

Yes, but they are almost half-open!

[hennared323i]

Sorted, Cheers Speedtouch

Grossly maladjusted throttle cable

Just need to fine adjust now.

Compression test sorted for next week - I only have part Saturdays to work on the car

[Speedtouch]

Well, that's a major step forwards, at least.

[hennared323i]

No compression test as my neighbor buggered off for the weekend

Idle is erratic - definately oil getting in the wrong places - and pickup is poor as well.

On the plus side my rattle can skills age going to get a whole lot better with the amount of tarting up the paint needs

[hennared323i]

Small update.

Did a compression test but that was inconclusive - in any case the idle is all over the shop with much oil being burnt. And I can't be faffed rebuilding the engine.

So I've decided to remove the (horrible sounding) twin can lump and replace it with 6 pot righteousnes.

so will have a few engine/ignition/exhaust related bits available soon

[hennared323i]

Small Update,

Slowly collecting bits etc.

Took the head off the M42 to se if I could identify the cause of the oil use:

Valve Chambers closest to bulkhead:



Valve chambers closest to Rad:



No sign of a head gasket leak here

Cylinders/Pistons:



Nothing obvious here.

Cam chain and cam sprockets look almost new.

Curious