Cutting Out ! PLEASE PLEASE HELP

Post Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:50 am

Ive got a 1990 320ise and when I start it up it runs for a bit then just stops after doing this once or twice it stays running, when I'm driving it does the same thing even if I've got the throttle on the floor. If it happens as I'm going along it just cuts out and then picks up again the ignition lights dont come on the rev counter drops and the economy gauge goes up past 50 mpg, it seems to do it more when its cold and hardley at all once its warmed up. I've had the ICV checked and cleaned and the airflow meter cleaned, I'm tempted to try the dizzy cap, rotor arm or coil but I'd just be guessing. Please please help its driving me nuts !

Post Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:53 am

try checking / changing the temperature sender. Not expensive and it will rule this out ,

lee

Post Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:53 am

Might be the ECU Temp Sensor(the blue one) at fault, causing the ECU to think the engine is warm when it is cold....

Post Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:55 am

Your problem seems to come from breathing issues, just a guess but check that there are no air leaks in the air boot going to the manifold

good luck chap

Jose

Post Mon Jan 16, 2006 12:01 pm

I'd change the blue temp sender, mine started to run real bad one day, as soon as i swapped the temp sender it's been fine ever since. Hopefully this is your problem, nice and cheap to replace!

Post Mon Jan 16, 2006 12:18 pm

Thanks for all the replys, where is the temp sender your refering too ?

Post Mon Jan 16, 2006 12:52 pm

It is fitted on the thermostat housing, behind the yellow one for the temp gauge, look at the end of the fuel/injector rail.

Post Mon Jan 16, 2006 2:00 pm

Start with the easy one's, Check the battery trminals are tight and the air filter is clean and dry (if it looks dodgy just remove it until you get it running) and then make sure the crank position sensor wire is not damaged or rubbing on the water pump pulley.(it runs across the front of the engine)

Post Mon Jan 16, 2006 4:34 pm

Hope it's as easy as the temp sensor. From experience this sounds like it could be fuel related. Either the fuel filter is clogged - they are cheap and easy to change. Or the fuel pump itself is playing up. If it is noisy - a high pitched whine from the rear offside of the car is a sure sign or cutting out going round corners/bends. Of course it could be any of the aforementioned - you'll need to check them all! Good luck.