should i take the chance?

[joe908]

A friend of mine has a 1998 318ti that has been sitting for a year or so that he's just trying to get rid of aka he will just give it to me. The car doesn't run because he ran it threw a big puddle and it didn't run ever since. After he ran it threw the puddle the car would start but would only run off of 2 cylinders it seemed. What do you guys think im looking at to fix this car? It will prolly need 4 new tires, a new power streering pump, all new breaks I would think because they are so rusted, and who knows what else to get it running right. Any ideas on what could be wrong with it and how much it would be to fix it all up. Any help? Thanks

[tiFreak]

does it have a cold air intake that sucks air from behind the front bumper?

[THAT318]

even if u dont take it and fix it part it out! you make money if you do it, or you get a ti out of the deal but eitherway take it bro!

[bmvw]

Yeah take it, sounds like all it is is ignition.

[joe908]

Nope pretty sure it has the stock intake

[joe908]

Ignition would cause it to run weir like that? I think he said he's got the machine to read the codes off the check engine and it said multiple cylinder misfire. What would cause that?

[cooljess76]

check the intake boot for cracks. With the engine idleing, spray brake cleaner on the intake boot and vacuum lines. If the idle fluctuates, you have a leak. Usually when the car breaks down after running through a puddle, it means the engine sucked in water(hydrolocked). In your case, if it runs and you don't hear valves ticking, there's a good chance you just have an air leak somewhere between the maf and the throttle body. Make sure the oil cap is on tight.Also check for water in the oil and oil in the radiator.

[budget76]

If you decide not to take it, I'd be happy to take it off his hands, and depending on the condition would throw him some money

[pdxmotorhead]

Water in the electrical system somewhere, also its common to get water in the computer, drain it, clean it see if it runs...

Dave

[PapayaSF]

Sounds like a good deal to me. I'm no expert, but I'd say take it!

But before you do anything else, get the engine running right. That's the big question mark, costwise. Once that's fixed, you'll know whether you want to invest in new tires, brakes, etc. My guess is you will: even if you spend $2,000+ getting everything fixed, you'd end up with a car worth more than that.

[bmvw]

Pull the plugs and spin it, see if water comes out the plug holes

[joe908]

Thanks for the ideas ill have to try them all out. My friend did say that there was water inside where the spark plug wires connect with the spark plugs he said he dryed it out and replaced only the spark plug but no change. Also I have another question what other problems my I be looking at seeing how the cars been sitting for so long? Thanks again guys all the info is helping me out so much.

[pdxmotorhead]

You may find the clutch is stuck to the flywheel/pressure plate, just put it up on jack stands and run it for a while just let it spin in 5th at idle. Pump the clutch pedal once in a while and it should pop loose. Don't rod on it on the ground it will tear up the clutch.

Also the brake calipers can seize up when sitting (Not a big deal the kits are cheap) new seals and some cleaning.

I also carefully open the doors, and wipe the seals all down with a rubber conditioner, or some Vaseline so they won;t stick or crack from age.

Change ALL the fluids, rear diff, tranny engine power steering , cooling system.

Before you fire it off a tablespoon of Marvell oil down each cylinder and spin it without plugs, it will lube the rings and un stick them from the pistons.

Dave

[tiFreak]

gas is probably bad too

[bmvw]

Just sitting for a year will not kill the car. Unless it was outside with the hood up or windows down. Even the brakes are probably OK, the rust will come off as soon as you use them - (NOTE: test brake function BEFORE putting car in gear). The gas in the tank might be bad. Eyeball the tires and brake caliper rubber for cracks. My guess from what you've said is to track down an ignition misfire and or possibly a short somewhere under the hood.