Running rich cold

[ortholithiation]

Hi Guys,

Been doing a lot of bodywork, but finally she's ready to go.

Car: 87 325is.

Problem: Runs super rich when cold, takes a good while to warm up. Then runs fantastic. I guess it goes into closed loop. Doesn't overheat, or anything after. Also fan is always running, guessing its the clutch is bad.

Observations: Checked over everything for vac leaks. Checked AFM and IAC, cleaned as well.

When I put the the key in the temp gauge bounces a little for 2 seconds, but then seems to work normally.

Thinking it's the T-stat, but want to know are there any other things to check like grounds and such that could do it.

There are two T-stats, which one sends a message to the guage and which one goes to the computer? One on the engine and one on the rad.

[gtdragon980]

Firstly, the fan is supposed to run all the time, your clutch is fine,. The temp gauge bouncing around could just be because of the gauge needle being loose. Or atleast that is why mine does it. And the "T-Stats" you are talking about are actually the coolant temp sensors. Im not too sure if the colors are the same on all e30s, but the brown one is the engine coolant temp sensor, and the blue one is the coolant temp sender for the gauge. They are both located on the thermostat housing.

Edit: Shit didn't realize yours is an '87, Im not too sure on the coolant sensor location or colors for those, disregard that.

[ortholithiation]

which one sends to the ECU Blue? Or is that another temperature sensor?

Then the other is the ground?

There are three prongs on the temp sensor could anyone tell me the order they fit into the sensor. It's like Left middle right.

Thanks for the awesome help guys!

UPDATE: I have black/brown a green and a black.

Also two leads on the thermostat housing.

[ortholithiation]

Fixed: new battery and running it for 15 mins.

Starts and drives fine, warms up quickly now.

[gtdragon980]

blue is the one for the gauge, the other one on the thermostat housing is for the ecu.