1989 325i Rescue

[Poorhouse]

Ordered an "OEM" VDO fuel pump assembly from Rock Auto. Close out priced at $120.

The sender cleaned up find so will reuse that.

Drained the tank, rinsed and drained again. Fuel came out clean.
Installing new fuel filter.
I'm going to use the existing tank for now.
Just want to see if I can get this thing running.

Are the injectors cleanable? The old CIS injectors from my VW days could be soaked in carb cleaner and blown out.

[Poorhouse]

Found some good info on injector cleaning.
Ordered seals, screens, etc.

Changed plugs and cap/rotor last night.
Plugs looked horrible. Cap/rotor looked new.

Current plan is to replace fuel pump, replace fuel filter, clean injectors then see if it will run. If it runs and the engine seems healthy I'll do some more maintenance, water pump, belts, valve adjust etc. Then go through the rest of the car, brakes, suspension etc.

If it won't start or does start but doesn't run well I'll have to decide if the engine is savable. There is a good running M20 in a parts car a few hours away I can buy. If I go that route I'll do the 5 speed swap at the same time.

[rfordo]

Great thread. Could you point me towards that injector cleaning info? Probably something I’ll need to do soon.

[alistairolsen]

Looking good so far, fingers crossed it's something simple!

[Poorhouse]

Great thread. Could you point me towards that injector cleaning info? Probably something I’ll need to do soon.

Couple links that are helpful. There is a ton of info and videos if you google it.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/JF-Tech/BMW_E30_3_Series_fuel_injector_cleaning.htm

https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/JF-Tech/BMW_E30_3_Series_fuel_injector_cleaning.htm

https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/JF-Tech/BMW_E30_3_Series_fuel_injector_cleaning.htm

[Poorhouse]

It's a runner!

Not a good runner, but a runner.

[Poorhouse]

https://youtu.be/IZnwGdUXJQAy

[Poorhouse]

Sounds like it's running on 5. Tach at 4K at idle, can hear massive vacuum leak.

https://youtu.be/V9FczqpMZAY

[Reichart12]

Dead tach in the first video but stuck at 4k in the second. Not sure if I'm hoping for a loose wire or busted tach on that for you.

[Poorhouse]

SI battery cause it to do that?

[Poorhouse]

I'm curious to see what it looks like under the valve cover.

Crappy with some broken rocker arm.

Good news is compression is 130-150 cold.








In funner news these showed up today.

[Poorhouse]

Debating what to do. Compression tested OK, but it doesn't look like this engine received regular oil changes.
Odometer reads 167k miles, not sure if it works though.
I also bought a 5 speed and most of the swap parts.

I'm thinking it makes the most sense to pull the engine trans. I'll have plenty of room for the trans swap.
Put the engine on the stand, pull the head and see how the block looks.

If it just needs a head I'll check with the local rebuilder for pricing. I don't think I'll gamble on a used head.
I'd be tempted to get a performance head but prices are $1700+ looking at Bimmerheads. Are there other options?

There may be a good used engine available locally. Suppose to still be in the car to hear run. If it's affordable that may be the way to go.

[ForcedFirebird]

Do you have an air compressor? You can do the "poor man's" leak down by removing the schrader valve on the compression tester and use an air regulator to see where the leaks are I would suspect the valves aren't sealing properly.

[JeLani]

Replaced the 3 main relays last night and put in a new battery.
Still no action from the fuel pump.

Pulled the pump, so nasty. :(

I'm going to need a new tank and fuel pump assembly.

Thats exactly how my old fuel pump looked . So gross. I would literally experience fuel cuts and would have to blip the throttle.


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[Staszek]

Thats exactly how my old fuel pump looked . So gross. I would literally experience fuel cuts and would have to blip the throttle.


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For the tank, I recommend getting a spectra, its usually less than $200 and it fits well.

Two main differences, it doesnt have a drain plug (not sure if you need it) and its silver, I painted mine to match the original color and texture.

It fits almost perfect like OE except the front middle bolt hole was slightly off, I was still able to get it to work without much issue.

You cant beat it, its about the same price as a used OE one that you never know what you get with those, and a new OE one is over $1000, not worth it in my opinion, and I try to by everything OE.