Having Idle Trouble + CEL w/ Questions! (long)

[themysteryman83]

Recently my 98 Ti has been idling rather badly. 2 days later after it had started it threw the CEL. Had the codes read at autozone and of course a "parts specialist" told me that the problem was my o2 sensor.

I'm no fool, so upon further inspection I noticed a crack in the rubber boot between the throttle body and secondary throttle body (traction control). Promptly replaced that, but didn't scratch the issue.

Upon more inspection and in greater detail I noticed that the hose going from the valve cover to the crank case vent valve was just absolutely destroyed and barely hanging on! I have absolutely no idea how that happened. Anyway, picked up the part at my local dealer and replaced that. The problem went away and the CEL went off by itself!

2 days later the problem resurfaced. CEL back on again. I bought a code scanner and live data scanner off eBay and was able to read the codes and view the live data output by the ECU. Interesting data actually. One of the codes was the "alternative oxygen bank 1" or something to that effect. Usually the o2 sensor from what I read around the internet. I know that the o2 sensor can be thrown if there's something wrong with the emissions system. This is why I bought the live data scanner.

Through the scanner, o2 sensor number 1 (m44 engine has 2) showed a fluctuating voltage between .2 to .8 volts. Normal from what I read in the Bentley manual. The second o2 sensor read almost no volts. Now the first question: Is that correct??

Another thing that I noticed was that the crank case valve has a very loud hissing noise to it. So loud that I can hear it over the rest of the engine. Also after I turn off the engine, sometimes this loud hissing noise continues for a good 5 seconds. When I was having no issues I don't remember it doing this.

Second question: What could be causing the issue? A bad CCVV? Maybe it's clogged?

Other codes: Multiple misfires in one or more cylinders, misfire in cylinder 1,2,3,4. Also, there was a code about something with the fuel injection system. I would assume all these stem from the same problem.

[Bobbak]

i have been having the same problem i changed all of my hoses but there is a sucking noise.


http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...08&hg=11&fg=15


Look at #11 there is a sucking noise coming from there i dont know if thats normal or not but im not sure how to fix it

On the top of #11 there is a little hole it looks like it was designed to be there but when i plug it with my finger the engine seems to run better and also my check engine light turns on as well

[ASRACER4]

after car is at normal operating temp there should be voltage at sensor.
i think around .3 or .4 volts. my first thought on the hissing noise was radiator.

[themysteryman83]

The hissing noise is definitely coming from the ccv valve. Easy enough to hear where it's coming from. I don't have any cooling issues with the car. On my next day off i'm going to take off the ccvv and clean it up as much as I can and if that doesn't help then I will replace it. Any other thoughts what it might be?

Oh, and which sensor do you mean? The one before or after the catalyst?

[Bobbak]

whats the CCV valve??,

I took out my ICV (intake control valve) out and cleaned it out

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...63&hg=13&fg=15
(#7)
i dunno if its a hose but i keep hearing a sucking noise if you read my previous post ill explain it all but i need to know if its normal to hear that noise or not i have a ,95 318 ti here is link to my car

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do...&kind=P&arch=0

[themysteryman83]

The Idle Control Valve is a different valve. The Crank Case Vent Valve is the one that i'm referring to. It looks like a round disk towards the firewall attached to the intake assembly. It has one hose that comes out and goes to the valve cover.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...62&hg=11&fg=15
It's number 16 in the diagram. I thknk it may have chunks of tube stuck in it or something. We will see tomorrow!

[Bobbak]

so did you figure out what was wrong with ur idle ? i need more info to fix mine

[themysteryman83]

Well i took it off, and found a whole bunch of crap inside, but I think it has been internally damaged. Some of the teeth around the inner part connected to the engine were broken off and then when I accidentally brushed one with my hand it broke off too. I think the valve isn't closing and opening when it's supposed to. I have pics if anyone wants to see. It wasn't thhat hard to get to and off, but I had to use a 6mm allen key to undo the bolts. I'm glad I had one!

[Bobbak]

can you send me some pics id relly like to see them thanks

[themysteryman83]

This is a pic of the valve by itself.


I don't know if you can tell but there's supposed to be little teeth in a triangle pattern in the center around the o-ring. The entire thing it rotted inside.


This is a pic after I cleaned up all the gunk from the place where the valve connects to intake manifold.

I have another valve on the way. Hopefully this will fix the problem but I think it may be something worse. I'm hoping it isn't though I'm not looking forward to replacing intake manifold gaskets...

[Jean H.318TI]

dude i have the same problem and that make a ****ing sound on the engine like a belt or something but is the same ccv valve tell me if that fix ur problem

[Bobbak]

ok THATS IT ......... im going out to my car RIGHT NOW and checking to see if my valve is messed up

[themysteryman83]

So all is well! After a week I have a smooth running engine and no CEL! The valve was easy enough to replace. You have to take out the inside air intake assembly out before you can get to it. Total it's about 15 minute job. Kind of interesting also once you get that assembly out of the way you can get to the inside air filters. Amazing how dirty those get over time.

I now have a smooth running engine and no more hissing noise and NO CEL!!!
FYI, the CCVV is more widely known in the American car world as a PCV Valve.

Thanks to all those who helped!!!