Chasing a Strange Gremlin: starting issue, what else is new..

[tk32]

Hello,

I drive a 2.7 stroker m20 in a 1988 325iX. schrick 272 cam. Winter tank mode.

Dead nuts cold (-4F the other day) she fires on the first try, every time, no hesitation ever, good idle

Highway cruising hot or extended drives, starts first try every time, no hesitation, good idle.

Around town medium engine temps, Cranks until the battery is dead, or wait until she is back to dead nuts cold again, usually over night. If I am lucky, and find the perfect spot on the throttle (usually just barely depressed but sometimes mashed) she will fire but very rough

Spirited drives between the house and grocery store help (to get the engine temp high) but it is not guaranteed.

Replaced the plugs, the looked 'normal', didn't appear excessively rich or lean. properly gapped. O2 sensor just replaced, massive vacuum leak just fixed at the intake manifold, this helped idle and hesitation under throttle which was a previous issue, seems unrelated. (was getting O2 and Lambda codes which are now gone)

No CEL. Thoughts? This is really obnoxious when I have to walk home or call for a ride every time I take a short trip. Thanks

:drink:

[rcsoundn1]

injectors sticking open maybe???

[BMWManiac]

When you pulled the plugs, did they look wet at all?

[tk32]

Plugs were not wet, looked like the standard condition, not excessively lean or rich visually. Unless I pull directly after the no start and extended cranking, then there is typical unburnt fuel all over the place in there.

It should be noted that the battery is brand new as well

[BMWManiac]

Plugs were not wet, looked like the standard condition, not excessively lean or rich visually. Unless I pull directly after the no start and extended cranking, then there is typical unburnt fuel all over the place in there.

It should be noted that the battery is brand new as well

Well, if you have fuel, then there has to be a reason you arent getting spark, unless there is an air restriction, which is doubtful. Crank Position sensor tells the fuel pump to prime and send fuel....perhaps your coil is weak?

[tk32]

How should I go about testing the coil? I have a Bentley, but not near me right now. .

Is there any reason this could be related to the coolant temp sensor? And I seriously do not understand why, when cold she starts fine. But not medium. Would a weak coil give trouble starting under all conditions?
thanks