318ti.org forum

Go Back   318ti.org forum > Garage > Lounge

Notices

Lounge Temporary forum until new sections are suggested.

.
» Recent Threads
1999 M-Sport For Sale
12-31-2023 05:10 PM
Last post by Coop540iT
03-23-2024 06:39 PM
1 Replies, 95,369 Views
Once again 318ti owner...
03-20-2024 12:39 PM
Last post by two30grain
03-22-2024 02:04 PM
1 Replies, 58,256 Views
What brakes do I...
03-20-2024 03:27 PM
Last post by huirtera
03-20-2024 03:27 PM
0 Replies, 55,739 Views
M50+manual swap bastard...
03-01-2024 11:00 PM
Last post by Andy318
03-18-2024 02:34 PM
3 Replies, 130,531 Views
Reply Share/Bookmark
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-21-2021, 04:03 PM   #1
rupace120
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Catskill Mountains, NY
Posts: 10
iTrader: (0)
Default HELP: New spark plugs and now won't start!

Hi all,

I'm a bit stuck and looking for the forum to help!

Car: 1995 BMW 318ti, 5 spd manual, 181k miles

Context: Bought a few weeks ago, starts and runs very smoothly other than a rough idle (above 1200, smooth as butter). PO said ignition switch went dead, so he directly wired a button to to the battery and starter - car starts as long as key is in "on" position. CEL goes on and off - stomp code 1226 (usually either O2, knock sensor #2 or bad spark plugs).

Problem: In attempt to solve the idle issue started with the basics - Clean MAF, replaced vacuum hoses to ICV. Still idled rough. No problem, planned on replacing ICV and CCV and all other hoses if needed. Was reading about ICV and CCV install as well as shopping for O2 sensor replacement, I thought might as well install the new NGK spark plugs that came, off chance that will fix the idle.

Replaced all 4 spark plugs (I do one at a time to ensure I don't cross wires). Fingers crossed and go to start her. She cranks and cranks, doesn't start. Hmm, perhaps I didn't tight them enough or push coils down enough. Tighten each one a little, check coils and wires (they look good, and pretty new). Try again...nothing! Check battery cable, double check vaccum lines. All looks good. NO START. Ok, maybe faulty spark plugs, I put the old ones back in (all were good with the exception of #3 that had some oil but not bad). Still doesn't start! I crank a few times, pull a spark plug, I see a little smoke coming from out of the hole (not much, looked more like steam).
It looks like I am getting fuel as the plugs seemed a little wet when I pulled them.

What could cause this? Why did new/correct spark plugs cause the engine not to start? She cranks and sometimes does sound like she is starting then just dies. I am going back to basics - double checking that spark/compression/fuel - but stumped as to how new plugs could cause such an issue.

Open to suggestions! and thank you!
rupace120 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2021, 12:42 AM   #2
J!m
Moderator
 
J!m's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Bouncing off the rev limiter in CT!
Posts: 3,156
Vehicles
iTrader: (1)
Default

First guess: wires were damaged
__________________
"Speed's just a question of money. How fast you 'wanna go?"

Order Swap Manuals Here => http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12912

WolferJ- gone but not forgotten. R.I.P.
J!m is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2021, 12:53 AM   #3
rupace120
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Catskill Mountains, NY
Posts: 10
iTrader: (0)
Default

Why would the wires be damaged by new plugs?

How can I test for spark safely on these engines?
rupace120 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2021, 02:32 AM   #4
J!m
Moderator
 
J!m's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Bouncing off the rev limiter in CT!
Posts: 3,156
Vehicles
iTrader: (1)
Default

Pulling wires off plugs is the best way to break them internally.

Putting them on doesn’t hurt them. You can pull a plug, lay it on the head so it’s grounded and watch for spark when you crank it. The usual stuff.
__________________
"Speed's just a question of money. How fast you 'wanna go?"

Order Swap Manuals Here => http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12912

WolferJ- gone but not forgotten. R.I.P.
J!m is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:48 AM.


.
Powered by site supporters
vBulletin Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©1999 - 2024, 318ti.org
© vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2
[page compression: 67.88 k/79.36 k (14.46%)]

318ti.org does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or products discussed.