Challange to all, Make my M40 start!!

[E30 newbie]

hi to all, iam new hear and i have a problem, desperately in need of ur knowledge and opinion....here goes....somewhere back in 1997, the engine from my bmw e30 316 was replaced with m40 1.8 litre engine, its four cylinder SOHC engine used on early e36, rite?the car was idle for about 1 year, then when i start it the engine runs normally. i drove it to the petrol station and had the car refuelled. the next day, i tried to start the car again, but it failed.i check the engine and found that one of the distributor pins have broken off, i thought that was the problem...so i spent rm300 buying new distributor set, installed it, but still the car wont start. so i sent it to a mechanic here in shah alam, the mechanic have replaced the engine intake sensors, engine coils, spark plugs, fuel pump and hose, computer unit.....but still the car WONT START!!!! frustratingly......heres the diagnostic according to the mechanic:-compression ok-fuel pressure ok-Injectors ok-Timing ok-irregular spark from the spark plugs.when the engine is start, it will run for a few second (sounded like 2 pistons) before it stops with a huge woosh of air coming out the intake.... (why?). and thats it! the exhaust fumes is abnormally dark... the mechanic (i think) have given up on the car...what do u think is the problem? do u know a mechanic specialise in this kind of engine in klang valley? shah alam maybe? or should i do an engine tranplant? what engine can fits and how much it will cost me?

 

[fabianyee]

too much fuel... Tried checking the AFM aledi???

 

[Zoggee]

challenge for free ah..???

 

[taabster]

I had the same problem...try "whacking" the AFM and you might able to start it for awhile....otherwise service it lor....

 

[absidian]

Good diagnostic information you have there. Certainly sounds like the problem is the sparking or current to the plugs. i'd re-check the entire circuit, grounding straps, and distributor again.

Are your spark plugs ok and correct spec? You can remove to inspect and see if they've been damaged from the distributor problem or the incorrect combustion so far (black smoke as indicator if incomplete combustion). I reckon they're gunked up by now too.

Have your HT leads/distributor been reconnected in the correct firing order?

Hope that helps, good luck.

Now you've got me thinking too

 

[E30 newbie]

thanks for reply...

humm.... AFM? is it the sensor unit located at the air filter box? the unit already replaced by my mechanic. initially, the mechanic thaught that is the problem, but replacing the unit did not cure my car.

firing order is correct, even the timing chain have been check and re-check to ensure that is is correct.

what can cause the spark plugs to go hairwire?

i read somewhere on the internet that u can use the ECU unit to pinpoint the engine problem, is it true? where can i get that kind of service here in klang valley?

btw, i love bmw..... we all do.

 

[absidian]

thanks for reply...

...

what can cause the spark plugs to go hairwire?

...

i read somewhere on the internet that u can use the ECU unit to pinpoint the engine problem, is it true? where can i get that kind of service here in klang valley?

btw, i love bmw..... we all do.

Yep, gotta love our BMWs despite the pain they give us sometimes.

I flagged up the spark plugs because when the distributor koyak, the plugs can be badly fouled by the contents of the mixture that never burnt off in the cylinder...plus they're already old to start with. Really easy to remove and check them if, like you say, the HT leads are powering ok.

I think there is a method to check for definite if your AFM is working... something about a multimeter to check the min/max resistance across the AFM terminals.

The other thing might be failed ICV or stepper motor, as once the car starts it can't maintain an idle state. This can be removed/cleaned before ultimately replacing it.

With all due respect, it would probably be wise to get a second opinion from another mechanic before spending more money in case he's pulling a fast one on ya.

---

 

[E30 newbie]

huhu...

asked my mechanic to change the spark plugs already.... no effect.

know a good bmw mechanic? a contact number would be nice.

 

[ICEman63]

hi to all,
iam new hear and i have a problem, desperately in need of ur knowledge and opinion....

here goes....

somewhere back in 1997, the engine from my bmw e30 316 was replaced with m40 1.8 litre engine, its four cylinder SOHC engine used on early e36, rite?

the car was idle for about 1 year, then when i start it the engine runs normally. i drove it to the petrol station and had the car refuelled. the next day, i tried to start the car again, but it failed.

i check the engine and found that one of the distributor pins have broken off, i thought that was the problem...

so i spent rm300 buying new distributor set, installed it, but still the car wont start. so i sent it to a mechanic here in shah alam, the mechanic have replaced the engine intake sensors, engine coils, spark plugs, fuel pump and hose, computer unit.....

but still the car WONT START!!!! frustratingly......

heres the diagnostic according to the mechanic:
-compression ok
-fuel pressure ok
-Injectors ok
-Timing ok
-irregular spark from the spark plugs.

when the engine is start, it will run for a few second (sounded like 2 pistons) before it stops with a huge woosh of air coming out the intake.... (why?). and thats it! the exhaust fumes is abnormally dark... the mechanic (i think) have given up on the car...

what do u think is the problem? do u know a mechanic specialise in this kind of engine in klang valley? shah alam maybe? or should i do an engine tranplant? what engine can fits and how much it will cost me?

Sell the car..he he he

 

[anakin]

Sell the car..he he he

Aiiyoo.. ICE don't say like that laa...kesian kawan..

Sorry bro..cannot give any advice...me no sifu, just keep us update so we can shares story..will ya?

 

[anaksarawak]

I dont think I know how to help with your problem. But I did asked around, and from an electrical mech, she said it can be the problem of old elecrical wire. Normally a few new wires and relays will help solve your problems.

Send your car to a good electrical mech, dont have to be BMW Specialist as it is a normal problem with other older cars too.

 

[sesat88]

aaaiyah.. besok start work liao.... sigh!

some stuff for u to pounder ...
1. plug damp?
2. fuel clean or not?
3. fuel pressure sure constant for all 4 cyl?
4. vacuum leak at TB, manifold, hoses?
5. voltage constant to all plugs?
6. starter solenoid or switch ok?
7. starter motor ?
8. starter pinion / flywheel teeth not catching?
9. timing belt bearing and etc. bearing ok?
10. engine is grounded properly?

.... mostly it is due to starter motor or the fuel pressure or the fuel pump relay... should check those first.....

else... maybe cicak or tikus crawl up your exhaust and had a family there.. hence too much back pressure... catch my drift?

 

[sesat88]

p/s

M40 eh.... well if you have a BMW ECU on board... better go BMW specialist larrr...... fry your ECU .. say bye bye to your engine.. if you can't get a replacement...

 

[rezzy3181]

I dont think I know how to help with your problem. But I did asked around, and from an electrical mech, she said it can be the problem of old elecrical wire. Normally a few new wires and relays will help solve your problems.

Send your car to a good electrical mech, dont have to be BMW Specialist as it is a normal problem with other older cars too.

Yes this could be the problem and I haven't posted my problem I had for months almost given up but of loved I manage to find the root of the problem,

Its electrical after spending 3K plus and did top overhaul as it was due and all parts I get it my self. I had starting problem only at times since Hari Raya and last month could'nt start terus check one by one all ok, at last found a burn wire under the fusebox that goes to the battery, replace it then still once in a while I had problem until I am fobia of driving when I stop smells wire burn even after engine done up. (they say its normal smell after had new gasket) I don't risk myself.

Next step I bought a fusebox with complete wires thru the help of one member and change the box and now my problem solve even my lights are brighter, the bottom of my box is blacken by heat and melted some section where you can'nt see it from the top. Lucky it did'nt burn the car.

So good luck for you to check don't depand on the mechanic as my car even wireman gave up. I ended up changing most important parts too, but I know my car history had it the last 8 yrs what is due to change so no regrets what I did but wires get weak after so long. Its a major job even my dashbord were taken out to make sure all wires are ok and that is the time I change all bulbs and fuses new. I still keep my old fusebox for friends to view what can happen at the bottom.

My mechanic done a great job I tabek him but I also point out what to check what I feel a must thru my long years of playing with classic cars and he learn a lesson too and now he borrowed my parts to check another e36 with the same problem as I change some electrical parts which suppost to be ok before found the fusebox problem, this is his 1st exprieance and a lesson he learn.

Try and check probably it could be of same sickness. good luck to you.

 

[Strider]

Hi rezzy,

why don't you took some photo and post it here. I also interested to see it. Thanks a lot

 

[Logan]

BMW Mechanic - Call Mr. Muthu (013-3217049).
Located near Kelana Jaya LRT Station, the road leading to Dataran Prima.
(Soon Wai Spray).
Reasonable price and ex-AB Technical Specialist.

 

[kevster30]

e30newbie,

Try using another Air flow meter and also another ignition coil. If all else fails, look for a good wireman(electrican) to assess the wiring and electricals.

 

[jarance]

try changing the crankshaft sensor. When it failed, the ECU will automatically shut off the ignition coil and the fuel pump..

BTW, the crankshaft sensor is located near the front of the engine (toward the radiator, near the water pump).

 

[E30 newbie]

for sure will update.... my mechanic say he has contacted a "specialist" on bmw wiring to checkout the car.... maybe tomorrow, maybe the day after that... and iam not selling unless i have money to buy an M5.... V10... fuyyo.... my dreamcar...

 

[rezzy3181]

Hi rezzy,

why don't you took some photo and post it here. I also interested to see it. Thanks a lot

Thats you! nowadays abit lazy to take pictures lah but I will and post here for you and others to see soon.

What ever jarance and Kevster say is true check one by one until you catch the fault... ehh sounds simple but when you are in trouble sakit kepala and hati ohh.
I am ok now but still not 100% happy.