Need help figuring out issue with car

[ali123]

Hey guys I bought an 84 318i and the guy who sold it to me thought the engine was broken lol. I was prepared for a swap but did a test first. All cylinders came out with good compression. 147,154,156,153. I'm pretty sure the fuel pump is working as well otherwise the numbers would be Lower if it was dry. I tested the coil packs and sparks were coming out. My friend is pretty sure there's something wrong with the timing or spark plugs or the wires to the battery need to be sanded cu of poor connection. What do you guys think it is?

Thanks

[SamE30e]

Do you hear the fuel pump? When you crank it and pull the plugs are they wet? How long did the car sit for?

[ali123]

Yep my friend is a beginner mechanic and he says the he heard the fuel pump. Plugs are wet and the car has been sitting for a few months I think. The only thing I know that is definitely crap is the battery but we we're boosting it with my friends car.

[mr2peak]

Check the oil for metal flakes before you start it up

[ali123]

Ok I remove the distributor cap and there's a #2 mark on the top right side but nothing else. So I'm guessing that's where cylinder 2 is supposed to go into?

Thanks

[thebutterson]

There's a lot of threads on timing here including one three or four posts below yours. Check those out and then come back with questions.