Primary causes of hesitation off idle

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  • Varinn
    Mod Crazy
    • Apr 2010
    • 780

    #1

    Primary causes of hesitation off idle

    1990 325i, fairly well maintained with no noticeable vac leaks.
    New o2 sensor
    New fuel pump, fpr, and filter
    chipped for 91 octane by a local guy
    New plugs
    TPS clicks immediatly off idle
    Throttle cable adjusted to zero slack
    Idle at 800rpm (slightly rough)
    323i flywheel (12lb I believe)
    Relatively good condition cap/rotor, unknown wires

    Car seems to hesitate slightly when accelerating off of idle, it sometimes stumbles for about half a second before picking up speeds. It is worse when cold, but the problem doesn't disappear when hot, and in neutral it takes almost a 50%+ throttle kick to get the engine up to 3500-4000rpm. I've sprayed around every possible source of vac leaks I could find with brake cleaner and had zero luck finding any leaks. What else can I look at that doesnt involve throwing parts at it?
    1990 332i, 4 door
    2008 KTM 990 Superduke
    2018 Golf R, 6spd manual (Pending delivery)
    2017 Mazda CX-5 GT
    2007 Z4M Coupe - Sold to very nice people
  • jlevie
    R3V OG
    • Nov 2006
    • 13530

    #2
    The most likely cause would be intake leaks. The only sure way of finding them is to have a smoke test run.
    The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
    Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

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    • dnguyen1963
      R3VLimited
      • Nov 2011
      • 2648

      #3
      There are a couple elbows going into the throttle body that might be quite loose. They are a common source of vacuum leaks. If yours are loose, JB weld them to stop the leaks. Don't forget to do a smoke test.

      Comment

      • TG Goose
        Wrencher
        • Jul 2011
        • 234

        #4
        cheap and easy way is use a cigarette or stogie and blow it into the intake. have a helper look for leaks.
        ______________________________________
        1984 LSB 318i - Sold
        1986 325i - Motor Swapped Track Car Project
        1995 318ti - Sold
        1999 540iA - Daily Driver

        Comment

        • bowtie2bimmer
          E30 Modder
          • Jan 2012
          • 830

          #5
          Definitely check/replace capr, rotor and wires. Twice this year I have gotten a hesitation on my car. First was a worn rotor (oem) and now my #4 plug wire has a short in the cap...

          1987 BMW 325ic - Emma

          Comment

          • dnguyen1963
            R3VLimited
            • Nov 2011
            • 2648

            #6
            Originally posted by TG Goose
            cheap and easy way is use a cigarette or stogie and blow it into the intake. have a helper look for leaks.
            Blow hard...you need to keep at least 2-4 psi to see small leaks.

            Comment

            • bowtie2bimmer
              E30 Modder
              • Jan 2012
              • 830

              #7
              Originally posted by dnguyen1963
              Blow hard...you need to keep at least 2-4 psi to see small leaks.
              So make your girlfriend do it....

              1987 BMW 325ic - Emma

              Comment

              • Varinn
                Mod Crazy
                • Apr 2010
                • 780

                #8
                This is the 2nd time I've had a problem arise with the potential of intake leaks. I guess I'm gonna have to go ahead and find a shop that will do a smoke test for me. I may as well just do the ignition parts too, as I honestly have no idea how old the majority of my parts are despite the cap/rotor looking pretty good.
                1990 332i, 4 door
                2008 KTM 990 Superduke
                2018 Golf R, 6spd manual (Pending delivery)
                2017 Mazda CX-5 GT
                2007 Z4M Coupe - Sold to very nice people

                Comment

                • TG Goose
                  Wrencher
                  • Jul 2011
                  • 234

                  #9
                  I have brand new bosch wires for you if need them


                  Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
                  ______________________________________
                  1984 LSB 318i - Sold
                  1986 325i - Motor Swapped Track Car Project
                  1995 318ti - Sold
                  1999 540iA - Daily Driver

                  Comment

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