Very tappetty and rough idle

Need technical Q/A then you're in the right place

Moderator: martauto

User avatar
RKB
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 176
Joined: Thu Oct 02, 2008 11:00 pm

Post Mon Jun 22, 2015 8:53 pm

I have just got myself a 316 (1990) which is running quite bad on cold start up and continues to climb and dip in revs when warm. I've had the rocker cover off and the oil bar seems to be fine, although there is some scratching to the camshaft.

I've tried to locate the icv, which I cannot seem to find and there seems to be a wire that doesn't connect to anything. It runs with the wire that connects to the intake on the AFM.

Looking for is to resolve this ASAP, and don't really wanr to spend a great deal.

Reckon it's worth doing the cam myself? I have little experience when it comes to engines.

Thanks

RKB
User avatar
RKB
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 176
Joined: Thu Oct 02, 2008 11:00 pm

Post Mon Jun 22, 2015 10:05 pm

It does rev about 4000 rpm on idle but haven't tried this whlist driving. Is there a difference :?:
User avatar
RKB
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 176
Joined: Thu Oct 02, 2008 11:00 pm

Post Tue Jun 30, 2015 12:38 pm

Does anyone have suggestions of where i can purchase a cam (or kit) other than bmw 8O
User avatar
aimlessrock
E30 Zone Squatter
E30 Zone Squatter
Posts: 1821
Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2009 11:00 pm
Location: Manchester

Post Tue Jun 30, 2015 1:18 pm

Why not go for an engine swap...seems like a good time.
E30 320i Convertible (1989)
190 Mercedes (1988)

"there is nothing more expensive than a cheap E30"
rotta
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 174
Joined: Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:00 pm

Post Tue Jun 30, 2015 1:32 pm

there are lots of those "cam kits" on fleabay i cant comment on the quality though.. if the cams worn why not drop a performance one (piper ect) in for a few more ponies?
User avatar
RKB
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 176
Joined: Thu Oct 02, 2008 11:00 pm

Post Tue Jun 30, 2015 1:59 pm

ideally i wouldnt want to go down that road of having to replace the engine.

Although i haven't worked out the cost for a replacement cam, so cannot compare any form of costs.

Isn't there a supplier that everybody uses for their engine bits?

This has put a spanner in the works, lol.
pacerpete
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 18165
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Iver heath. South bucks.

Post Tue Jun 30, 2015 4:59 pm

Eurocarparts do all the cam kit parts. Stick to Febi brand and quality will be fine. You are talking roughly £250 for all of the parts including a cambelt and water pump.
Be aware that the worn cam is unlikely to be the cause of your running problem. More than likely an air leak somewhere.
rotta
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 174
Joined: Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:00 pm

Post Tue Jun 30, 2015 5:10 pm

when you replace it make sure you replace the spray bar this gets bloked with sludge and is the reason that the cam wears early :)
User avatar
RKB
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 176
Joined: Thu Oct 02, 2008 11:00 pm

Post Tue Jun 30, 2015 6:06 pm

I've had a look at the oil bar, that hasn't any blockages (sprayed some carb cleaner through it) also had a look at the intake system, there doesn't seem to be a weak point?

A little confused. Have had the icv out, which Is clean also.

The timing belt had been changed about 10k miles ago so may not be changing that.

Thank you all for the help so far
User avatar
daboy3000
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 300
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:00 pm
Location: Croydon

Post Tue Jul 07, 2015 10:15 pm

My 318 is doing exactly the same thing. If you try and push it past 4k it splutters, also continues to splutter when you change gear for a few seconds. Just had a service and it hasn't helped. Also sounds tappy and scratchy.