On the side of the road...

[mcr_driver]

My e30 has finally done it...Stranded about a mile from home. Here's the story and help me get it running ASAP.

Here's the scenario driving straight down a road when car dies, no brakes, no steering. pull over try to start it, the electronics work but the car doesn't crank over. when attempting to start the fan does spin but nothing cranks over. I have about 2/5th's a tank of gas I am wondering if it's the starter, fuel pump or the distributor...I'm not really sure but those are my first guesses. Ask any more questions please.

Help r3v I have court at 1:30 today...

Side note might be CPS?

[e30jake]

I doubt its the starter if it died while you were driving. When my distributor rotor took a shit the engine still cranked just wouldnt get spark. Check fuel lines, listen for the fuel pump, you could be right with the CPS. Not sure what else to tell you. Good luck

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[mcr_driver]

Thanks yea I am definitely leaning towards the CPS how would I be able to check for that on the side of the road?

[e30jake]

That i cant tell you

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[10Toes]

If its not cranking at all it is not the CPS but probably a power issue, how is your alternator/battery? Any loose cables?

[Wh33lhop]

When you say it's not cranking do you mean the starter isn't turning the engine over, or the engine isn't firing up? If the clutch fan is spinning then the motor is being turned over. The fan won't just spin itself.

[mcr_driver]

If its not cranking at all it is not the CPS but probably a power issue, how is your alternator/battery? Any loose cables?

Already checked the battery and visually underneath the car for anything dangling even in the engine bay.

When you say it's not cranking do you mean the starter isn't turning the engine over, or the engine isn't firing up? If the clutch fan is spinning then the motor is being turned over. The fan won't just spin itself.

That's what I thought while walking back home pondering what it could be...the engine definitely turns over but no hard cranking which is what lead me to the CPS, that and a friends suggestion :rofl:

[mbonder]

Is the engine spinning or not?

I would bet fuel pump if in deed the engine is spinning but not firing. The fact that you have lights would lead me away from battery/alternator/wiring.

[mcr_driver]

I thought it might be the pump because I am under half a tank and it's a common problem but no way of knowing without ruling out the CPS first no?

define spinning? there is no hard cranking but the clutch fan does spin when attempting to start.

[N2MYE30]

I dont recall the range of the CPS but its in your Bentley. Its an easy check with a meter. IIRC ~540ohms.

[mcr_driver]

no meter in the car i cleaned it out...

your avatar :rofl:

[Exodus_2pt0]

I thought it might be the pump because I am under half a tank and it's a common problem but no way of knowing without ruling out the CPS first no?

define spinning? there is no hard cranking but the clutch fan does spin when attempting to start.

Sounds like a snapped timing belt to me. If the fan is spinning, your crank is spinning. If it doesn't lope over, just a smooth turning, then your belt is snapped and valves are bent.

[mcr_driver]

that would be bad...

[Wh33lhop]

Sounds like a snapped timing belt to me. If the fan is spinning, your crank is spinning. If it doesn't lope over, just a smooth turning, then your belt is snapped and valves are bent.

That sounds about right unfortunately. When was it changed last?

Side note: you can easily jump the fuel pump relay and feel the pump to check if it's working (vibrating pump is a good pump).

[Exodus_2pt0]

that would be bad...

It's not that bad if you have some tools, a few jack stands, and an engine hoist.

I got my E30 on December 23rd with snapped belt. I had already bought an engine in anticipation, and was able to drive it home around 10pm on Christmas Eve, with only $350 spent out of pocket. You may take longer, but you CAN do it yourself and save cash. An engine is easy to find cheap.