Engine cuts at 4K with Full open throttle

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pete325i
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Post Fri Jul 15, 2005 12:05 pm

Engine cuts at 4K with Full open throttle - 325i 1989

Hi,

This is getting annoying now, I've tried replacing parts, Dizzy cap, Pulse Sensor, Leads. Coil, plugs etc are ok.
However I've recently discovered the the Distributor part at the end of the engine (what the cap attaches too) was loose.
I tightened the top bolt but the lower bolt, the smaller of the too will not tighten. I assume the thread in the block is knackered.

2 questions of you good people:

Would this be enough to cause the engine to cut for a second?

How would I sort this out? retap it?

Any info/advice would be appreciated on this as it's getting very very annoying now.

Many thanks


Pete
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Post Fri Jul 15, 2005 12:12 pm

does the engine die and the kick in to life really violently when this happens? Does it only do it once until the next time your start her up or does it do it randomly whilst driving?

I dont think its your dizzy!
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pete325i
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Post Fri Jul 15, 2005 7:02 pm

Yes, The engine dies, and then kicks back in!
It will happen many times, usually when you have your foot floored at around the 4k mark.
If you go past 4K at say half throttle, then it's ok.

The dizzy being loose, certainly can't help anything.
Raz316
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Post Fri Jul 15, 2005 9:49 pm

Maybe its just the fact I only noticed these problems since it happened to me but...

this has been happening to quite a few people recently has it not? I still havent resolved mine, but poking around with the AFM makes a difference.
If you're near Canterbury or newmarket and looking to sell your E30, let me know!
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Adammcf
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Post Fri Jul 15, 2005 9:51 pm

Hey there, where abouts near Brum are you? I live in Shirley.
I had a very similar problem after rebuilding the head on mine.
The car sat for about 6 weeks during the rebuild.
When giving anything more than about 75% throttle the car would cut out.

I took the throttle body off and remove the throttle position sensor from the bottom. Sprayed some WD40 inside it and shook it out.
Put it back on and now its fine!
rowemeister
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Post Fri Jul 15, 2005 10:19 pm

I had a similar problem 3 years ago and it was the DME relay near the fuel pump relay. On my car its the one on the left and its white.

Cut the silicone seal on the relay with a stanley knife and pull off the white cover.

You will see the switch contacts, bend the non moving (solid) contacts straight (they will have bent/lent slightly over time).

Also check the actual contacts are clean and not black.

Put relay back and take for a test drive and hopefully all will be well.

If its better but not fully cured the problem replace the relay.
:wink:
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TOURINGDADDY
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Post Fri Jul 15, 2005 10:23 pm

i have a simlar prob but have found out that the fuel pressure regulator is foobard
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rowemeister
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Post Fri Jul 15, 2005 10:56 pm

Nice one. Not a common problem as far as I am aware! Good to share though :wink:
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pete325i
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Post Fri Jul 15, 2005 11:48 pm

Great! Thanks for all that advice guys, I shall investigate more tomorrow.

Adam: I live in Dorridge, actually I got a new sump off a nice chap in Shirley.
rickk
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Post Mon Jul 25, 2005 12:37 pm

Mine did not cut out, but severely hesitated under those circumstances when I had a faulty FPR. Don't think it's your problem, but might want to do a quick check..

Also, what does the dash do when it cuts out? If the tach and econo suddenly drop (so not 'smooth' or in-line with the revs) there's a problem with the ECU cutting out (for whatever reason).
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Post Mon Jul 25, 2005 7:23 pm

fuel pump i suspect, just happened to my one.
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pete325i
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Post Mon Jul 25, 2005 10:14 pm

The rev counter drops inline with the engine, the speedo remains as it should. I have a strong feelings its to do with the loose distributor, not sure why tho.

Thanks again for all you replys, I hope to solve this soon
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tourer-dan
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Post Mon Jul 25, 2005 10:28 pm

If you can't get the bolts to tighten holding the dist. cap on, you only need to replace the belt cover as this is what it screws to.
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pete325i
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Post Mon Jul 25, 2005 11:02 pm

Cool, I was going to Tap it out to 8mm, anyone see any problems in doing this?


Thanks

pete
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pete325i
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Post Thu Sep 22, 2005 1:09 pm

Ok, I've secured the distributor bit now and the problem is still occuring!
Going to check the throttle position sensor and a few relays next.