Fireballs from my muffler

[BatallaE30]

i have a 85 318i. its been parked for 2 years in storage.

i recenlty went to a vintage bmw auto show, it reminded why i got an e30 in the first place and i decided i had to fix my baby up.

i ran the car every once in a while just to keep everything running.

i originally parked the car cause it was running terrible.

it all started with an engine wash. aparently a bad idea ive heard.

within a week, i had shorts, fuel leaks, misfires, fireballs coming out of the muffler when it backfired. all sorts of problems.

im a bit of a newbie at this, so i would appreciate any advice i can get.


ive been reading up a lot on it, and i think i have a rich misfire from low fuel pressure and too much oxygen from an exhaust leak.

ive started by attempting to replace the fuel lines with 8mm fuel injection hosing, and a new fuel filter.

i will post more once i change those things.

thanks

[BatallaE30]

my baby is the black one

[BatallaE30]

New fuel filter. New fuel hoses.
Still backfires
Car will only stay on for about 30 seconds at a time though.
Probably a vacuum problem.

Which is the next step

[dnguyen1963]

It is obvious that your car has multiple issues, but the first thing you should do is to have a shop perform a smoke test to find all the vacuum leaks. You should then locate the source of extra fuel that is being dump into your exhaust system to cause backfires. Leaky injectors would be a suspect. I would also check the fuel pressure and FPR. Perform those steps then report back to the forum for further help. Good luck.

[dnguyen1963]

You should also replace the O2 sensor.

[FLG]

Id start by doing a full tune up, wires, plugs, air filter, fuel filter, FPR, replace all the vacc hoses, check and make sure your intake boot isnt cracked..if it is, replace it. Than go from there. Also have a smoke test done for leaks. And if it hasnt been done, first thing is to change the timing belt and tensioner.

[TobyB]

first thing is to change the timing belt and tensioner.

n'yuk n'yuk n'yuk... with what, a chain? Oops, too late!

You know, I wouldn't replace anything, I'd start by troubleshooting-
check fuel pressure, check the injectors (including cold start) for leaking,
look at the cap and rotor, plug wires, plugs, check sensor voltages, AFM resistance,
in other words,
go through the Bentley test procedures...

... and THEN replace what's bad. And do the tuneup and preventative maintenance.

except maybe the fuel filter I'd do early on.

I R Methodikal.

t

[FLG]

Forgot 318.

Any engine with a t belt if unknown mileage it should be changed

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[Dj Buttchug]

keep fireballs because racecar

[Sindako]

Mate Only Change The Fuel Filter ,
Clean The MAF Sensor .
And Try To Run It With The OX Sensor Unplugged . If The Fireballs are No More .
Change The OX Sensor .

Oh ! , After Changing The Fuel Filter , Use This :

http://www.camskill.co.uk/smsimg/414/54367-57337-full-wurth_injection_cleaner_aerosol-414.jpg

[J.Rizo]

keep fireballs because racecar

lol i opened this just to find a fireball comment. boom

hope you get your car back to life man! it looks clean! good luck!

[cabriodster87]

Raw fuel in the exhaust will cause fireballs, and can rupture the muffler. (just a clue)