Car Won't Start...Totally Stuck!!!

[Simontibbett]

I have a 1986 325ES, I was on the way to work when I stopped for ice, got back in the car, no start. It finally started but ran very weird, I had to keep my foot almost planted to hold any RPM.

I got it towed home and it has spark, but fuel is weak. I can't hear the pump prime, and pressure seems low? It doesn't squirt or shoot out, it just kind of pours out in a hard stream, how much PSI is it suppose to be at?

Any other ideas?

How hard does the fuel normally shoot off the line at the rail? Fuel comes out, lots, but not hard at all. Both pumps have power.

I also just checked fuel coming out of the return line on the regulator, it shot pretty hard out of that end?

[jlevie]

You could have a fuel system problem. Run the suite of fuel system tests documented in the Bentley manual and you'll know what has failed.

[Simontibbett]

I hate manuals, they don't really give real ideas, plus I can't find mine. I mean...

Fuel pumps have power.
Fuel pressure comes out to rail, unsure pressure.
Both filters seem ok, I can blow through with ease.
Fuel shoots hard from FPR return line.
Fuel comes out of both feeder lines to pumps.

I mean if I need a pump, how do you know which one?

[Simontibbett]

I beat the external pump with a hammer, and the car tried to start, so bought one, will advise.

[downernsp]

A fuel regulator would also be at fault at times did you check that??

[Simontibbett]

Lulz, one external pump later, while installing, noticed a sensor unplugged, vroom vroom. Some stupid thing going into the tranny, not sure what sensor it was, but it was unplugged and the issue.

[Fidhle007]

Crank sensor. Does it every time...

[Simontibbett]

Cool now I know it's proper name! DAMN THE CRANK SENSOR! lol.

I'm just glad I didn't go buy the second fuel pump.

[Fidhle007]

Crank sensors are always the first place I look on no start issues these days. I've seen far too many fail!