no start on the 318is (solved)

[///M42 sport]

ok, I thought maybe it was the cold weather that was causing problems with my car, but I tried starting it again today, and just get a whining sound? could it be the alternator? my fuel pump is only 3-4 years old. thanks

[Rigmaster]

Re: no start on the 318is

ok, I thought maybe it was the cold weather that was causing problems with my car, but I tried starting it again today, and just get a whining sound? could it be the alternator? my fuel pump is only 3-4 years old. thanks

how about a better description of the "whining sound"??

Does it seem like the engine is turning over, but just not firing?? OR is it some new noise- like a fast "whirring" sound (which *could* be the starter spinning, but not engaging the flywheel).....??

More info and I'll bet someone can help.

Bret.

[///M42 sport]

I guess it sounds like the engine is just not firing.

[Rigmaster]

I guess it sounds like the engine is just not firing.

Well, it's not likely your alternator if the engine is turning over OK.

You need 3 things for the engine to start- fuel, air + spark (well, you also need decent compression- but we're gonna assume your compression is OK, and you need the engine to be turning over at a fair RPM too- but it sounds like it's doing that too...).

Start with the basics and confirm that you've got good spark + fuel (volume + pressure). I'd be willing to be it's a problem with one of those that's causing your no-start. Once you find out which one is lacking- then you can narrow down why it's not up to spec + fix it.

Bret.

[///M42 sport]

cool, I just changed my spark plugs which I was gonna do anyways, and noticed the old ones were wet, I guess from unburned gas.

How do I check fuel pressure?

Also do you think push starting will help any?

[Rigmaster]

cool, I just changed my spark plugs which I was gonna do anyways, and noticed the old ones were wet, I guess from unburned gas.

How do I check fuel pressure?

Also do you think push starting will help any?

If your plugs were wet, then they were not firing, or not firing well enough to start the car. Did the car start or try to start after installing new plugs?? Did you make sure the spark gap was set correctly on the new plugs when you installed them??

To check fuel pressure, you really need a fuel pressure gauge- not a cheap item, maybe you can borrow one from someone.

Push starting the car won't help- unless I misunderstood you about how the engine is turning over OK, but not firing....

Just to make sure we're clear- did anything change or did you do any work to the car just before it started giving you trouble??


Bret.

[///M42 sport]

no, but the temperature was in the -ve the past 3 days. I couldn't start it then, so I thought I would wait till today when it reached 70.

I got the same results after I changed the spark plugs. I could hear the engine turning, but it wouldn'd catch. I guess its the fuel pump?

[///M42 sport]

I finally got it to start by holding the gas down all the way and turning the ignition for 10 min.

[E30godz]

the car obviously gave up.

[Gonzo318is]

the car obviously gave up.

^ LOL

[IAm-Topik]

Have you replaced your coil recently?