Stalling HELP NEEDED

[k130]

Hi All

I desperately need some help here.

My '83 323i keeps stalling on tight turns, theres plenty of fuel in the tank and it does it everywhere... on roundabouts or at really slow speeds in the car park. But not in reverse!

Any one here experienced this before and know what it might be?

Cheers all

[kam-325i]

Is there a smell of petrol ?

I have heard of a similar thnig before, but not at low speed.

[k130]

No, no petrol smell.

Its broken down in a shop car park at the moment so I'm getting a tow.

I'll give it the once over when I get it back, starting with the fuel pump...

How will I know if it is bu**ered without a pressure guage?

[k130]

oh and what was the similar thing you heard of?

[kam-325i]

It was caused by a cracked petrol hose. One of the flexi hose's near to the chassis had a small split in it, and when he was cornering at high speed, it was causing a drop in fuel pressure, engine stalled along with strong smell of petrol.

[k130]

Oh right

I think ill just check the whole thing over.

I dont think its anything too serious though its been sweet as until this morning!

[kam-325i]

Have you got power steering ?

[k130]

Yes it does have power steering, is that a problem?

[kam-325i]

It "Might" be the power steering pump causing the engine to stall, i dont know if this can happen, but if the pump is getting a bit worn, i might be robbing extra power from the engine.

you can check by just park up the car, have the engine running at idle, turn the wheel s from lock to lock, hold it on full lock for a couple of secs, and see how the engine reacts to that.

[k130]

Thanks for the tip mate but I wish it was that simple!!

I tried the lock and hold test already and it was ok, plus, in reverse theres no problem.

[kam-325i]

Just need to see whats different in reverse. It cant be anything engine(movement) related, as it turns the same way, causing the same movement.

A bit of bugger this one..........

[k130]

Too right mate,

It did it for about two weeks in febuary as well but then went away (but i expected that since it hadnt been run for 6 months).

If it was transmission then id be getting jolts or loud noises but theres nothing like that going on.

[kam-325i]

The Obvious is always over looked........

Checked the connection from the engine to the bulkhead connector ?

[k130]

Good point, where does it run to/from?

[kam-325i]

i think, as im not to clued up on 323's, it runs from the inlet manifold side of the engine to just behind the fuse box on the bulkhead/firewall on the passengers side.

But i might be wrong, i will have a check.

[gepetto]

is it the connector thats giving you the problem?? if so let me know as i have the same problem, frustrating as hell!!! checked my spark plugs, leads, distributer, air pipes, replaced a few petrol pipes, checked for bad connections, nothing, thought i solved it yesterday, but it jolted again today. let me know , cheers.

[michael24m]

i don't want to sound stupid or anything but, be sure to check the big admission hose from the airmeter to the throttle housing, because it can crack slightly on the under side of it right near the ring, it's imposible to see and doesn't make a sound so it's possible to miss. remove the hose all together and take a good look everywhere because it can crack in between the creases. just seen the reverse bit where you said it goes well in reverse:) i have no ideea about that simptome:|

[k130]

Ok thanks for your help guys

I finally got it home and gave it a look over,

I found that one of the bosses on the ignition coil has fractured. I worked this out by letting the engine run and wobbling/prodding bits until it stopped!

So i'm off to GSF for a new bit.

Also noticed some cracked breather pipes so theyll be renewed too!