M10 that wont crank

[riverdale21]

We've got an M10 that wont crank. This car was purchased with the engine not running. The previous owner told us that all the car needed was a distributor. We installed a new distributor along with cap/rotor/plugs. After checking the timing on the crank the distributor was installed.

The car wont crank.

The 318i was taken to a mechanic and he suggested a new motor. He also suggested to start throwing parts at it until it works. Time to find a new mechanic.

While diagnosing the other day it seems to be an ignition related issue. The car will crank but not turn over. If you place your hand over the exhaust while cranking you can feel the pulses and smell gas.

Why wont it crank?

[rs4pro3]

Well first describe Won't crank?
Cranking is ussaly a term refering to the engine turning over with the starter's help. Does the engine turn over at all? It sounds as if it is so in that case it won't run or catch. Which very well could be the timing being off, Rotate the engine by hand untill #1 cylinder is at Top dead center and make sure the distrubtor is oriented correctly.

[riverdale21]

I will try your idea. If the engine isn't 180 out like you suggest what else could be the problem?

[rs4pro3]

Fuel, air, etc.... So the engine does turn fine with the starter? Once you verify the distrubtor is situated right, check for correct fuel pressure and actual spark at one of the plugs.

[riverdale21]

What would proper fuel pressure be for a 1985 318i?

[rs4pro3]

3.0 bar

[riverdale21]

But I've only got a couple gallons in the tank. I have to get to 3/4 of a tank full of gas to measure it?



Just kidding. Cool. I'll check it out.

[bimmer8604]

have you actually tested to make sure you are getting spark to the sparkplugs? that might be a good thing to check. then make sure you are getting fuel.

kyle

[riverdale21]

have you actually tested to make sure you are getting spark to the sparkplugs? that might be a good thing to check. then make sure you are getting fuel.

kyle

We removed the spark plugs from the engine with the plug wire still attached the car was cranked. No spark could be seen.

[rs4pro3]

You have to ground the metal Arm of the plug to the chassis to get a spark, I use a small aligator clip attached to the arm, then a nut on the strut tower or something.

[chuckybob]

mine did this, turned out to be clogged injectors.

[riverdale21]

mine did this, turned out to be clogged injectors.

Even if you could smell gas from the exhaust?

[chuckybob]

yup. the cold start valve provides a bit of fuel to the engine when you crank even if the injectors arent working. do a stethoscope test on em if you have the resources.