Hello R3V Members,
First time post for me because I'm looking for some fast help.
My family and I have a race next weekend and our car is still running really bad - bad as in super rich. Any help or suggestions would be great.
Background:
- Bought a 1986 BMW 325e - 2.6L M20B27
- The car ran good when bought it. When it was cold OK, warm OK, highway cruising OK and acceleration OK.
- Overall car was in good shape but wanted to make sure it would last the race so we change some things. Starting to think this was a stupid move.
Changed:
- New timing belt
- New rings, main bearings and rod bearings.
- Thermostat
- New head gasket
- Took out the charcoal canister and plugged the inlet on the throttle body.
Problem:
- The car will idle well and smooth when cold. Sounds good but running super rich. Once car warmed up, running rough.
- When engine has NO LOAD, engine rev's up but pops and hesitates cold and warm.
- When driving and accelerating, engine will bog down and runs terrible.
- We have fouled out 2 sets of new NGK ZGR5A and Bosch WR9LS plugs.
- Fouled out ALL 6 spark plugs.
- Pulled the plugs and they have gas on them and carbon build up. Again, on all the plugs.
Tried to Fix:
- Air Flow Meter (AFM)-> OK. Replaced with new one.
- Coolant thermostat sensor -> OK. Replaced with new one.
- ECU -> OK. Replaced with new one. Bosch Basic 1.0 (0-261-200-027)
- Throttle position sensor -> Confirmed with Bentely handbook with the resistance at wide open throttle and idle. Was OK.
- Fuel regulator -> OK. replaced with new one.
- Compressions readings are:
#1: 196 #2: 195 #3: 195 #4: 195 #5: 185 #6: 190
- Vacuum leaks -> Plugged air compressor into brake booster inlet, plugged up throttle body with hand and listened for leaks. Air built up pressure and got difficult to keep my hand on. Will need to test again with another set of hands.
- Fuel Pressure: Held steady at 36psi (Have to double check #'s)
- Tried New coil: Nothing changed from new to old coil.
- Timing Belt: I think the timing is OK because runs good at idle and I checked when replaced by rotating the crank 720° and dashes still lined up..but don't know how to confirm when everything back together.
The car ran a little better with changes, but still having fouling plugs issues.
Have NOT tried:
- Oxygen Sensor. I wouldn't think O2 sensor would tell engine to run THAT rich to foul out plugs. Will be replacing with new one tomorrow and confirming.
- Idle control Valve - maybe something is sticking or not letting enough air into engine. Don't know.
- Injectors: I have not checked the injectors to confirm if they are stock or not. But ran OK before.
- Plug wires: Have not checked resistance. All plugs not getting hot enough?
Questions:
1. What the heck is going on with this thing?
Running out of ideas and any suggestions would be awesome.
2. How can I trick the ECU to run more lean?
Could I create hole somewhere and allow more air to get in?
3. If the 02 sensor is not it, what else could I check?
4. Dump a bunch of Redbull energy drink in the gas tank to give the car wings?
I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. We are up for trying anything to get this running.
We live in the Detroit area and anybody willing to drive over (better if in E30) to help us out...you'll have a case of beer waiting.
Thanks for your help.
Best,
T
First time post for me because I'm looking for some fast help.
My family and I have a race next weekend and our car is still running really bad - bad as in super rich. Any help or suggestions would be great.
Background:
- Bought a 1986 BMW 325e - 2.6L M20B27
- The car ran good when bought it. When it was cold OK, warm OK, highway cruising OK and acceleration OK.
- Overall car was in good shape but wanted to make sure it would last the race so we change some things. Starting to think this was a stupid move.
Changed:
- New timing belt
- New rings, main bearings and rod bearings.
- Thermostat
- New head gasket
- Took out the charcoal canister and plugged the inlet on the throttle body.
Problem:
- The car will idle well and smooth when cold. Sounds good but running super rich. Once car warmed up, running rough.
- When engine has NO LOAD, engine rev's up but pops and hesitates cold and warm.
- When driving and accelerating, engine will bog down and runs terrible.
- We have fouled out 2 sets of new NGK ZGR5A and Bosch WR9LS plugs.
- Fouled out ALL 6 spark plugs.
- Pulled the plugs and they have gas on them and carbon build up. Again, on all the plugs.
Tried to Fix:
- Air Flow Meter (AFM)-> OK. Replaced with new one.
- Coolant thermostat sensor -> OK. Replaced with new one.
- ECU -> OK. Replaced with new one. Bosch Basic 1.0 (0-261-200-027)
- Throttle position sensor -> Confirmed with Bentely handbook with the resistance at wide open throttle and idle. Was OK.
- Fuel regulator -> OK. replaced with new one.
- Compressions readings are:
#1: 196 #2: 195 #3: 195 #4: 195 #5: 185 #6: 190
- Vacuum leaks -> Plugged air compressor into brake booster inlet, plugged up throttle body with hand and listened for leaks. Air built up pressure and got difficult to keep my hand on. Will need to test again with another set of hands.
- Fuel Pressure: Held steady at 36psi (Have to double check #'s)
- Tried New coil: Nothing changed from new to old coil.
- Timing Belt: I think the timing is OK because runs good at idle and I checked when replaced by rotating the crank 720° and dashes still lined up..but don't know how to confirm when everything back together.
The car ran a little better with changes, but still having fouling plugs issues.
Have NOT tried:
- Oxygen Sensor. I wouldn't think O2 sensor would tell engine to run THAT rich to foul out plugs. Will be replacing with new one tomorrow and confirming.
- Idle control Valve - maybe something is sticking or not letting enough air into engine. Don't know.
- Injectors: I have not checked the injectors to confirm if they are stock or not. But ran OK before.
- Plug wires: Have not checked resistance. All plugs not getting hot enough?
Questions:
1. What the heck is going on with this thing?
Running out of ideas and any suggestions would be awesome.
2. How can I trick the ECU to run more lean?
Could I create hole somewhere and allow more air to get in?
3. If the 02 sensor is not it, what else could I check?
4. Dump a bunch of Redbull energy drink in the gas tank to give the car wings?
I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. We are up for trying anything to get this running.
We live in the Detroit area and anybody willing to drive over (better if in E30) to help us out...you'll have a case of beer waiting.
Thanks for your help.
Best,
T
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