320i not starting up! Turns over n trying to fire

[nas786]

Hi guys need sum help my e30 320i is not starting up! Turns over n trying to fire but jus wont get there.
I basically drive it one cold morning and parked it up, tried after 4hours n it wouldnt start.

I knw i need to check for spark and fuel but im definatly sure its getting fuel.

Ive checked the fuel pump it works
Starter was replaced 7 months ago
Changed the spark plugs
Checked the ht leads which seem fine


Im now thinking its either the distributor : cap or rotor arm since the o ring is worn n i hav a oil leak from it it can even have sum gunk in it?

Need sum help plz

[Speedtouch]

Take a spark plug out and lay it on the rocker cover with the HT lead connected, spin it over and check for a spark.

Gunge in the distributor certainly won't be helping.

[nas786]

Okay ill try that. Will it matter if ive painted the rocker? Im gona try it now

[nas786]

There is spark in the spark plug it self but its not jumping across to the grounded metal?

So should i still check the distributor or are we ruling it out. As a fuel prob?

[Speedtouch]

If you're getting a weak spark, first check the engine-to-body earth strap and all connections around the ignition coil.

Then remove the dizzy cap and take a look - it's well worth sorting out the oil seal issue regardless. The oil may have caused the carbon brush in the centre of the dizzy cap to dissolve.

[nas786]

Are u on a about the earth cable which goes from the body to the - battery terminal??
Ive cleaned that.
Removed the dizzy which seemed to hav a lil moisture in it. N the rotor tip was black with carbon diposits also on the cap.
Im just gonna clean it over n giv it a go tomoro morning

[Speedtouch]

No, the engine-to-body earth strap goes between the engine block and one of the chassis legs, underneath the front of the car.

[nas786]

That seems fine a few minor cracks on the silcone cover but cable inside is fine! Cleaned n put back on . No joy . Fitted n cleaned distributor n its still the same

[Speedtouch]

Check the DME relay.

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/DME

[nas786]

Forgot to say i got it working ;)
Removed one of those relays n also took off the fuel line at the regulator n turned over for it to spit sum fuel out. Re connected n turned over n it started !!!!!! without the relay
So i stuck it back in. So i wounder if it was a faulty connection on the relay or if it lost fuel pressure?? But its been fine for a week now.
Thanks for ur help.

[nas786]

Thanks for your help

[Speedtouch]

No problem, good to hear you got it going again.