87 325IS hard start randomly

[ParksMyCar]

When I crank my e30 it cranks for 3seconds then starts. Sometimes it will just crank and crank. I'll turn the key all the way off then crank it again and it will start. Normally when hot. Can repeat the issue seems to happen on when leaving public places lol. Possible fuel pump I'm thinking. Not sure. When accessory is on does the pump prime the fuel or only when cranking? Not familiar with the m20 fuel system.
Please help really wanna sort the quirks out.


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[dnguyen1963]

Do a smoke test when the engine is warm.

[ParksMyCar]

Smoke test as in. Sorry not familiar


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[ParksMyCar]

The thing is it idles perfectly fine. Never once died. Just randomly hard starts


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[dnguyen1963]

Smoke test is used to find vacuum leaks. When the engine is warm, metal expands causing vacuum leaks that you would not otherwise find when it is cold. This is a common problem with E30.

[Kershaw]

Could be the ignition coil. Sometimes that just happens. Just stop cranking when you realize you're a few seconds past when it normally starts, turn the key back and then turn it on like you've been doing.

You can go crazy chasing stupid stuff like that. And spend hundreds of dollars. And then not even fix it.

[TobyB]

Right, because it could be the main relay, the ignition switch...

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[ParksMyCar]

Okay thanks guys. Just wish I could figure it out. And wish I could repeat the issue


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