another problem off the old e30

Mon May 04, 2009 5:22 am

I recently posted that my e30 wasent running to the way i would like it to. It never really started up right away so i replaced the spark plugs, checked the dizzy cap, and the starter. Those were all fine, after just replacing the spark plugs it still doesent start right away. any one know what the problem is.

Mon May 04, 2009 9:12 am

what engine is it, what year?

is the problem only when engine cold or same when engine hot too?

check for cracks in the the rubber inlet hose from the Air flow meter (the box after the air filter box) and the throttle body (the bit with lots of hoses attached to the inlet manifold) - sorry i have to assume you know nothing under the bonnet!!

Tue May 05, 2009 4:19 am

its an 89 325i, and i know what you are talking about. The rubber inlet hose is cracked. Also its startes up fine when it is cold just when it is warm it takes a wile.

Tue May 05, 2009 11:46 am

The rubber inlet hose is cracked

OK start there, you will be allowing unmetered air into the system, causing the engine to run lean, when the car is cold the ECU runs richer anyway expalining to a certain extent why it starts/runs when cold, as it heats up the mixture is leaned out until the optimum (as set by the ingition maps) is reached. your airleaks will screw this up.

replcements are not expensive or hard to fix. while in there swapping it clean the throttle position sensor (TPS) and Air flow meter. search TPS or AFM and you will find loads of advice on how to clean these parts. I also assume you have cleaned the air filter recently?

mrlee

Wed May 06, 2009 6:04 am

i just replaced the air filter with a K&N unit cleaned all the way up to the throttle body, there was tons of black goo all in there. also today drove my car parked it, it wouldent start for another 5 hours, i dont know what the hell is going on in that car.

Wed May 06, 2009 1:45 pm

Might be worth checking the fuel pressure on the system, I had the same prob with mine in that it would start on the button when cold but when warm would take a longtime to start. Found on mine that the pump wasn't holding pressure when turned off. Just an idea

Wed May 06, 2009 2:13 pm

rallye_turtle wrote: Just an idea

And a very good one!