1996 318ti wont start?

Ray B · 01-04-2009, 02:25 AM

I have a 1996 318ti was running fine all day stopped for lunch to restart, engine cranked sputtered and quit. I have had this problem before when the coolant was low or refilled. The engine would run a little rough then would be ok. I am getting fuel and fire to all cylinders. Ive been running it a few weeks with no thermostat but i dont think this could be the problem. Please help I have always maintained the car myself and done all work myself I love this car and will always keep it but this problem really makes no sinse. The engine cranks fine and occasionaly starts sputters and quits. Any help would be much appreciated.

Bluebimma · 01-04-2009, 03:06 AM

Have you blown the headgasket? How often are you putting coolant into it? Is the cooling system pressurized? What is the condition of the spark plugs? Does the engine overheat? Does it run to normal temp even with the thermostat removed? Having no thermostat is just as anything else. A new thermostat may be 50$, but it is an investment thats needed for your no so cheap engine and repairs to it. Treat it well, and itll live longer.

Ray B · 01-04-2009, 02:05 PM

The headgasket is good, cooland sytem is pressurized well, I dont add coolant anymore awhile ago i replaced the water pump and the gasket that came with it was cheap and leaked some but not bad I have since replaced it and no leaks, the plugs I replaced 7000 mi ago will replace them but they fire good now. I will replace the thermostat when the place opens tomorrow but for now I just want to get it started and I am having a crazy time figuring this out. It cranks fine and thats it. Any other thoughts, Thanks.

Ray B · 01-04-2009, 04:16 PM

So This morning I started the car and it ran fine. I did nothing to it but let it set overnite. This really makes no since and I know I may have the same problem again what could have caused the car to not start for hrs cranking fine and now today start right up after the first crank? I am looking into it and plan on pulling some things apart today but really dont want this to leave me in a parking lot again.

ArtB0811 · 01-04-2009, 05:45 PM

As soon as you can, do a fuel pressure test. Connect the gauge and let it sit overnight. See if it holds good pressure. Fuel at the injectors is one thing, good pressure is another. Also check pressure while cranking the engine. Have you changed your fuel filter lately?

Bluebimma · 01-04-2009, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray B

The headgasket is good, cooland sytem is pressurized well, I dont add coolant anymore awhile ago i replaced the water pump and the gasket that came with it was cheap and leaked some but not bad I have since replaced it and no leaks, the plugs I replaced 7000 mi ago will replace them but they fire good now. I will replace the thermostat when the place opens tomorrow but for now I just want to get it started and I am having a crazy time figuring this out. It cranks fine and thats it. Any other thoughts, Thanks.

How do you know for sure the headgasket is good? The cooling system is NOT supposed to be pressurized, if it is, you have a headgasket leak. Its not about if the plugs fire well, its about their condition, how they look, a major indication of whats actually going on inside of the combustion chambers. Have either your cam position sensor or crank position sensor been changed at any point of your engines life? When was the last tune up? Have you checked the main ground to the engine? If it is corroded or loose, it will cause misc. running issues. Do you pump the gas when starting or when it fails to start?

dave45056 · 01-04-2009, 10:01 PM

And Most of all.... Is it throwing any codes? Check Engine light lit?

And put in a thermostat. you are asking for trouble leaving it out.

Ray B · 01-05-2009, 12:20 AM

Replaced the fuel filter and spark plugs using bosch. Pulled down the front end to get a good look @ all of what is going on. Did find a small oil leak @ the oil filter housing. The head gasket seems to be fine the pressure I was talking about was after engine is cool I remove the radiator cap and unscrew bleeder valve and she syphons a little. Have not replaced the cam sensor or crank in 3 years I will order today I also ordered the tstat will not drive untill these things arrive. The car however seems to run very well now and idles smooth. I dont have a computer to check codes but engine lite is on. not sure where the cam or crank sensors are however and cannot find them in my book, I will research online. I really appreciate all of the help I love this car and have put it through alot I have replaced many components myself along with suspension exhaust ect. These are great cars and I love working on it. However this problem was very strange. I will do a tune up this week when I get paid. Any other suggestions?

**J!m** · 01-05-2009, 06:45 PM

Yeah, there SHOULD be pressure in the coolant system- that is how it can operate above the boiling temperature of water!

I think it was meant not EXCESSIVE pressure, but there should be 15-20 PSI in there when hot or so (depends on the cap).

Ray B · 01-05-2009, 06:53 PM

how can I tell if the head gasket is leaking? I have no signs in oil or antifreeze no smell coming from heater or in radiator and no tools for a compression test?

Ray B · 01-05-2009, 06:55 PM

also the car idled until hot and now won't start again I really think it is coolant system related.

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