1988 325is no start. PLEASE HELP!

[smurphy_e30]

Okay so I bought a non running 88 325is about a week ago for $1200 in pretty good condition in ideas of fixing it up myself. It had been sitting for a year and a half and the guy said it ran when he parked it. I'm not sure what's wrong. I've been told to replace the fuel in the tank, change fuel pump, get new injectors, but I don't know which. I'm on a budget and I need help! I don't know much about e30s yet but what it is doing is it is cranking and sounding like it wants to start but it seems it's not getting enough fuel into the engine. If someone has gone through this or knows how to fix it please let me know! I'm in Austin Tx.


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[matthugie]

Start by replacing the gas in the tank and the fuel filter (~$14) and see where that gets you. You should also change the oil and do a timing belt/water pump/thermostat/coolant flush/other belts before doing any real driving.

As someone who bought an 88is that had been sitting for about 3 years, it isn't immediate, but you should check your gas tank for rust on the inside. It will clog the sock on your fuel pump (which may need replacing anyway) and your fuel filter.

[smurphy_e30]

Start by replacing the gas in the tank and the fuel filter (~$14) and see where that gets you. You should also change the oil and do a timing belt/water pump/thermostat/coolant flush/other belts before doing any real driving.

As someone who bought an 88is that had been sitting for about 3 years, it isn't immediate, but you should check your gas tank for rust on the inside. It will clog the sock on your fuel pump (which may need replacing anyway) and your fuel filter.

Oil change was the first thing I did. Also I'm changing fuel filter today and seeing if it will start with starter fluid. I'm also getting new spark plugs just because. If that doesn't work, I'll get a new fuel pump and see if that helps at all. Also I have everything to drain the tank, the problem is where to take the old gas afterwards. But thank you for the help and I'll see if that works and get back to you about it!


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[jlevie]

I would not discard gas a year or two old. On the assumption that the fuel is the recommended 87 octane, mix one part of the old gas with two parts of 89 octane and use it up.

The first check would be to make sure that the engine has spark on all plugs when cranking. The next check is to measure the fuel rail pressure (tee in a gauge to the rail supply line).

[smurphy_e30]

I would not discard gas a year or two old. On the assumption that the fuel is the recommended 87 octane, mix one part of the old gas with two parts of 89 octane and use it up.

The first check would be to make sure that the engine has spark on all plugs when cranking. The next check is to measure the fuel rail pressure (tee in a gauge to the rail supply line).

Yah I've been trying to find any way that I won't have to drain the fuel tank. I bought some marvel mystery to put in it and I'm going to put good gas in. Also got some starter fluid to see if the fuel system is the issue. I'm going to check the spark today. I'll keep y'all up to date on what happens.


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[smurphy_e30]

Okay so I used the starter fluid and it started then died.


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[smurphy_e30]

That means it's the fuel pump?


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[jlevie]

That could be the fuel pump, filter or injectors. Knowing what the rail pressure is while cranking will help with the diagnosis.

[smurphy_e30]

That could be the fuel pump, filter or injectors. Knowing what the rail pressure is while cranking will help with the diagnosis.

Okay. I'm getting a fuel pump soon, and I just got a new fuel filter today. Thank you for the help man it's really appreciated!


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[jlevie]

I hope that works out and the new pump isn't a waste of money. Put the filter in and measure the rail pressure. Then you will know if you need a new pump. If the pressure is okay, you have to look for other faults. What you have done so far only indicates that fuel isn't making it into the cylinders. It says nothing about why that would be happening.

[smurphy_e30]

I hope that works out and the new pump isn't a waste of money. Put the filter in and measure the rail pressure. Then you will know if you need a new pump. If the pressure is okay, you have to look for other faults. What you have done so far only indicates that fuel isn't making it into the cylinders. It says nothing about why that would be happening.

I'm getting a cheap stock pump so if it doesn't work it's not a big waste of money. I just want to get it running. It sucks having a car in my garage and I haven't even driven it yet. It might even be my injectors. But I'll figure it out when I get the pump. How do I check the fuel rail pressure? I was also told to check my plugs to see if they are dirty..


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[GillesBigCowboy]

The first check would be to make sure that the engine has spark on all plugs when cranking. The next check is to measure the fuel rail pressure (tee in a gauge to the rail supply line).

Jim, could you give a link or pic of what sort of fuel pressure gauge you would suggest for this?

[jlevie]

The pressure gauge I use is a 0-60psi gauge, meant for a well pump, that I got at Lowes or HD. I bought the tee & 5/6 hose barbs from (probably) MSC as they aren't all that easy to find.

[GillesBigCowboy]

Hmmm, sounds complicated... I just did the flow test at regulator as described in bentley and apparently have no flow, and fuel pump is making no noise... I guess I need a new pump but need to check if pump is getting electricity first.

[smurphy_e30]

Well, apparently it's not the fuel pump. It still won't start with the fuel pump that I got. Could it be my fuel filter? I have a new one and I'm installing it soon, I haven't had much time lately.


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