intermittent starting issues

[dystynkt]

So when I bought my car I have a bunch of starting issues (it didn't run) and after replacing a bunch of stuff finally got it running again. now the car is having intermittent starting issues basically over the last couple weeks sometimes it fires up fine first try but most of the time it just cranks and cranks without catching for the first 4 or 5 tries and then on the 5th try or so it will just fire right up. i was guessing fuel pump but was on the wall about that because if that was it wouldn't it possibly stall while running? After I get it started it runs fine. Obviously I could search on this and I have, but there are so many possibilities I thought someone could help me narrow it down. Parts related to starting that have been replaced so far: spark plugs, wires, cap & rotor, coil and a bunch of other stuff. no fuel related products replaced yet. Tomorrow morning I will be doing the usual checks for spark and checking all hoses. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[jlevie]

You can tell if the fuel system is a culprit by running the fuel system tests documented in the Bentley manual.

[dystynkt]

You can tell if the fuel system is a culprit by running the fuel system tests documented in the Bentley manual.

Didn't realize it had that. I will try that out then thanks.

Just checked: spark is good and all hoses ok as well.

[dystynkt]

ok so i only have the haynes manual for now and the fuel system test doesn't seem like it is going to do much to help find the problem. any other suggestions?

[free]

what car is it? year/model? if its a 325i, check the connector under the intake manifold - the injectors to the engine harness. That connector tends to oxidize because the throttle body leaks coolant on it very often.

[dystynkt]

what car is it? year/model? if its a 325i, check the connector under the intake manifold - the injectors to the engine harness. That connector tends to oxidize because the throttle body leaks coolant on it very often.

85' 325e. Going to be replacing a few fuel related parts tonight and checking different connectors to see if it helps. making a 2+ hr drive friday to the paint shop so needs to be running good by then!

[Hallen]

Sounds like a fuel pressure regulator that is going out. If it runs fine and idles fine after it starts, then the regulator would be my guess. (it's letting fuel pressure drain out of the injector rail so the pump has to repressurize everything up to the rail before she will start).

[dystynkt]

Sounds like a fuel pressure regulator that is going out. If it runs fine and idles fine after it starts, then the regulator would be my guess. (it's letting fuel pressure drain out of the injector rail so the pump has to repressurize everything up to the rail before she will start).

makes perfect sense, already ordered one so will try it out. thanks for the advice