no start...need help

[uglyveedub]

Its got spark and fuel, sounds very close to taking off if I feather the throttle @ half-3/4. I dont have a fuel pressure tester, but from what I have read and searched could be fuel related??
Happened for the first time this am, temp was around 35* F. I have owned it for about 7months only doing routine oil changes and inspections, previous owner documented maintenance very well.
Time for a fuel filter, maybe?? Any ideas would help greatly.

its a '90 325i 5spd, if it matters...

[dj01540i6sp]

no start...need help

Wish I could help! Lets see Do you have any starting fluid? Don't spray much of it just a spurt and only while the motor is turning over into the air box while some one else tries to start it if it starts it is fuel related. 35 Deg' Freezing could be a lot of junk in the fuel filter that froze keeping the gas from passing through. GL!
dj

[jlevie]

A hard start in cold weather is most likely the result of an intake leak.

[uglyveedub]

just curious as to why an intake leak would "suddenly" result in a no start, it has started fine for months, even in chilly damp north east ohio mornings. Admittedly the idle was a little rough, but never seemed to be a serious issue until now. Will check hoses and connections, probably clean the ICV and check the afm, then report back. thanks

[uglyveedub]

Cleaned icv and afm, both "seem" operational, still no start. Actually seems worse, before i could get a little gurgle like it wanted to take off now its just a steady crank and lots of fuel smell. I didnt check for spark today, make me think it was weak to begin with and now is gone? I have another vehicle to drive, but its not as fun, so im taking my time because my money is tight due to approaching holidays. Any other suggestions??? Im pretty sure its due for a tune up, might have to wait a few weeks, pulled a plug yesterday to check for spark and it has bosch plat +4, but I recall super's are recommended. Add it to the list...

[uglyveedub]

Interesting find today while playing with my 2800lb exercise machine, it has an aftermarket alarm installed. Disconnected the battery to clean terminals and grounds, hooked it back up and whawhawhawha!!! Scared the hell out of me. I noticed the siren in the engine compartment but assumed that it was non functional because there is no remote. Could this contribute to my no start issue, but remember, it cranks???
Ill stop asking stupid questions tomorrow after I go and buy a new digital multimeter to replace the 20 yr old analog with cracked cover and bent needle i have now.

[uglyveedub]

Problem solved

fresh bosch super's, a new intake elbow, and some 10w-40 and she fired right up, i guess the 20w-50 and all the cracks in the old elbow was the issue. all better now, thanks jlevie for the old "check for intake leaks" respsonse, my first m20, i guess it really does make that much difference...

[jlevie]

I'm glad you found and fixed a cause of your starting problems. The affect of an intake leak becomes worse as the temperature drops. A cold engine needs a richer mixture and as a the weather gets colder a leak that hasn't been a problem in the past suddenly becomes a problem.

The chances of there being other leaks on a car of this age is pretty good. I highly recommend having a smoke test run on the intake to find any other leaks that may be there.