Non starter...

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JLager
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Post Sun Feb 12, 2012 12:13 pm

I've got a 1990 325i, the other day it took a long time to start which is quite rare as it usually starts instantly. Once started i realised i was a bit low on fuel (not empty) so took it to the petrol station hiccuping all the way there and filled it up. it carried on hiccuping all the way to work, then later on that evening wouldn't start at all.

I've cleaned and checked the fuel pump - all good.
Ive replaced; fuel filter, plugs, leads, cap, rotor arm, coil.
Checked the crankshaft sensor with an oscilliscope, good as far as i could tell.

running out of ideas wondered if anyone could help?
mrLEE30
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Post Sun Feb 12, 2012 12:43 pm

next would be to try and start it a few times, then remove a sparkplug and see if its wet with fuel. pump clean does not mean issues further down the system ie fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, injectors etc etc. while plugs are out check for spark.
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Grrrmachine
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Post Sun Feb 12, 2012 12:51 pm

#1. Don't throw parts at the problem, test first.

#2. Sounds like it's running rich to me:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ch_Running
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Brianmoooore
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Post Sun Feb 12, 2012 3:10 pm

C191 problems? Test the blue temp sensor resistances at the ECU plug before you investigate further.
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JLager
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Post Sun Feb 12, 2012 4:17 pm

parts were all fitted a month or so before i had the problem, doesnt smell rich but have no spark, i do get a spark from the king lead tho....
Grrrmachine
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Post Sun Feb 12, 2012 4:26 pm

If you get a spark from the king lead but not from the HT lead of any given spark, then either your newly-fitted dizzy and rotor have broken already...

...or your belt's snapped.

Have you taken out a spark plug from the engine, rested it on the rocker cover and checked for spark that way?
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JLager
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Post Sun Feb 12, 2012 4:53 pm

yep, no spark, tried the old cap and rotor i just dug out from my toolbox whick used to work and still no good. belts only a couple months old and still intact. its baffling me. i'm used to working on newer stuff to be honest and rarely get a chance to play with anything as old as my own car so i dont know if im missing something really simple?
mrLEE30
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Post Mon Feb 13, 2012 4:48 am

I think you need to get back to basics.

1. Do you have voltage at pin 15 of the coil with ign on?

2. Yes to above: but no spark from the plugs? remove distributor cap and confirm the rotor is turning while cranking.

3. Rotor ok : check plug leads, replace coil,
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hongkongfuey
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Post Mon Feb 13, 2012 10:13 am

Im in portsmouth if u need help
if there wern't people like me,
with cars like mine,
who would you put down to make yourself feel better?