1987 325is engine noise HELP!

[e30patalohas]

So I am resurrecting a car that has been sitting non-op for 18 years!! (Tires were shredded on the rims from sitting!)

1987 325is Zinnoberrot over Black leather, interior and body in very good condition so worth reviving. 150k miles on odometer (broken gears unknown when). I've got the car to be legally road worthy and have changed timing belt, new plugs, replaced fuel tank, fuel pump, fresh gas, cap and rotor, valve adjustment, compression good 150-160 across all cylinders, seafoamed, marvel oil in crankcase, etc., etc. It runs pretty well once started all things considered!

Long story short, I am having issues with cold starting. I am thinking sticking valves, no compression and heavy clacking until they loosen up. Once valves seal then the engine runs smoothly and can stop/start no problem. It sounds terrible turning over initially and I need to figure out how to lube/loosen the valve train to prevent damage (interference/contact). I have run the engine a couple hours driving around and hoped that this would help with cold starts, but I still have the noisy cold start issues if the car sits overnight.

Please view the video and share your thoughts.

https://youtu.be/XNJ71A3HZqo

[101]

That definitely sounds like the valves are sticking jn their guides when cold. As you start the car you can hear no compression on certain cylinders. The loud clacking is probably the pistons forcing the valves back up.

My opinion - and you probably don't want to hear this - but I'd be inclined to remove the head and have a valve job done on it. The valves would have to be removed, the valve stems cleaned and the valve guides cleaned or replaced. If it sat for that long the valve seals are probably toast too.

The valves might eventually free themselves up over time, but I would not chance it on that nice of a car after all the other work you've done to it.

[e30patalohas]

101-

Thanks for your input. I agree with your assessment and was hoping that there may be an easier fix or something that I was missing that would cure this situation. Unfortunately I think that you're right and a head job may be in the near future for this e30. I better start looking up DIYs! Lol.

The head looked so nice upon first inspection...:( :(

[Swanny]

Timing belt and coolant overhaul should be done so popping the head off falls right in line.

[e30patalohas]

Affirmative!! New timing belt, tensioner, water pump, thermostat and thermostat housing, front camshaft seal and valve cover gasket set all installed.

Cooling system was bonked!! It took a lot of power flushing and scraping and decrusting for me to feel good about the cooling system. Also added radiator flush that needs replacing in about 50 more miles with fresh coolant mix. So far car runs great temps on the water/cleaning fluid mix.

Also did full brake system flush and bleed, new master cylinder, rotors and pads, front suspension and steering rack. With all this time and investment into the car the last hurdle seems like the valve issue!

Swanny are you saying to remove the head itself?

[Swanny]

Oh man was hoping you hadn't already done all the other stuff yet! But yes removing the head would be the easiest way especially to check the valves and guides.

[e30patalohas]

Oh man was hoping you hadn't already done all the other stuff yet! But yes removing the head would be the easiest way especially to check the valves and guides.

Swanny,
You're right, I know I kind of did some things in the wrong order.
I guess I'm kinda committed to getting the valves and guides to cooperate!
I know I can remove and reinstall the head on my own, just probably best to get it to a competent shop for the rebuild and have it redone.

[e30patalohas]

Wow!! I just have to make a clarification...this car was last safety inspected in 1997 which means it probably hasn't run since then so, safety is good for a year which makes about...18 years or so since it was probably last on the road. This may make a bit of difference in why the head is acting the way it is...idk.

[e30patalohas]

Been driving the is for about 45 miles now and the hardnoisy starts are quieting down.
I actually had one almost normal start then the following start was a little clicky. Will keep driving and see if it loosens up more. At 100 miles will change oil/filter again.

On another note I found this connector under the fuse box today. 2 lead with a clip like connector. Anyone know what this is for and if it should be plugged into anything?
Connector appears to be brown and brown/green stripe and looks like it weaves into the cruise control bundle.

[e30patalohas]

I have been running the car for about 300 miles now and I am happy to say that starting seems quite normal finally. I have also put in new ignition wires (Karlyn wires which say Bermi all over them) and I have rebuilt green top injectors to install tomorrow along with another fresh fuel filter which will hopefully steady a lumpy idle and help make starts a one click affair. Right now sometimes starts immediately other times needs a couple of cranks to fire but no more clicky clacky!!!! Power feels real nice up top and she looks like I can call it a success! Thanks for the input all.