Need help quick E30 m3 wont start....

[wrassemeister]

So today I went with a couple of friends to Indiana and picked up a 1991 e30 m3..... car was running well through out the ride back which is about 200 miles. We came back and parked it in the driveway. Shortly afterward we realized that we need to move it so another car can get out and it wont start! The fuel gauge was pretty close to red so I figured its just low on gas, so I went and picked up 4gal and put it in..... Still wont start, cranks over but wont start! Any ideas anyone? I was planning on taking the car to the shop tomorrow for full inspection but can't until I can get it running. The car is chipped, has cams, and built head if that makes any difference....

[///CRISS]

Pull the plugs to see if they're dry? If so no fuel if they are wet let them dry and try it again. Verify spark as well.

Check electrical connections AFM etc...

Good luck!

[chutrain]

So today I went with a couple of friends to Indiana and picked up a 1991 e30 m3..... car was running well through out the ride back which is about 200 miles. We came back and parked it in the driveway. Shortly afterward we realized that we need to move it so another car can get out and it wont start! The fuel gauge was pretty close to red so I figured its just low on gas, so I went and picked up 4gal and put it in..... Still wont start, cranks over but wont start! Any ideas anyone? I was planning on taking the car to the shop tomorrow for full inspection but can't until I can get it running. The car is chipped, has cams, and built head if that makes any difference....

Check the usual suspects of fuel and ignition. Make sure the fuel is getting to the motor, so check the pumps and filters and lines for clogs. Less likely, but check to see if motor is flooded.

If that ain't the problem, start diagnosing the ignition system. Make sure everything is intact. See if you are getting a spark at the plugs. You may even want to check the ECU for any burnouts and check that the chip is properly seated.

There are numerous other possibilities. Do search as this no-start problem has been addressed recently, and some members have given very thorough diagnostics list to follow. Good luck with firing her up, and post pics when you get the chance.

[2pur2ride]

Welcome to E30 M3 ownership. Good luck with the problem.

[wrassemeister]

I put starting fluid in the intake elbow and it started up, but if I turn it off, it won't start again without the starting fluid....

[m3215]

check all connectors afm, check the spark on the plugs, if nothing on the plugs check the coil with bulb attached on the outer two (i think not sure someone confirm??), if the bulb doesnt turn on and off defo ECU.

ask me how i know......

[///CRISS]

Fuel pump(s)???

[m3pat2]

If the car started with the starting fluid and stayed started then he's getting fuel.

If he wasn't getting fuel, the car won't stay running after the starting fluid has been ignited.

Check to see if the distributor, ignition coil and plugs are in good condition.

[chutrain]

If the car started with the starting fluid and stayed started then he's getting fuel.

If he wasn't getting fuel, the car won't stay running after the starting fluid has been ignited.

Check to see if the distributor, ignition coil and plugs are in good condition.

I don't think it is the distributo, the coil, or plugs because he said nothing about the car running rough. If it is indeed running rough, then those should the culprit. The ECU might the problem.

[Az in Oz]

Did you say whether or not you were getting fuel? If the tailpipe smells like an oil refinery, you have fuel but no spark.

If this is the case +1 on the ECU. Igniter transistor in ECU, sounds just like what mine was doing.

Good luck,

Aaron

[///CRISS]

The problem is there isn't enough feed back We all have excellent ideas and they all need to be verified, but if there is no systematic approach we are all speculating.



wrassemeister can you help us armchair mechanics?

[wrassemeister]

I can't really tell if the car is running rough because It has cams and has a lumpy idle naturally... But once its started up it seems to be running well and pulls pretty good. The previous owner said keep the car running rich, but I'm pretty new to the s14 motor, learning slowly

[chutrain]

I'm still leaning towards the ECU. It's probably not sending or sending enough fuel for the initial startup. That is probably why the car is able to fire up with starter fluid. Maybe you might have someone local that is willing to do a quick swap to see if it is the problem.

[Dominic]

It's probably not sending or sending enough fuel for the initial startup. That is probably why the car is able to fire up with starter fluid.

Hmm, that triggers a thought. I'm not sure about this, but doesn't the DME look for a signal from the flywheel position sensor to see that it is turning before it turns the fuel pumps on? Perhaps the position sensor is "weak" such that the DME isn't seeing it while cranking the engine over to start it, but once the engine is running the signal is good enough to keep it running...

Just thinking out loud here. I think you can measure the resistance of the position sensor to check it. You should be able to find test procedures by searching the site or maybe someone who knows better can chime in about that.

Good luck!

[wrassemeister]

hmm... There is a lightweight flywheel in the car, I did also notice a lot of oil on the bellhousing, perhaps the sensor got fouled during the drive back. I'm taking the car to a local mechanic ( ben thongsai) on Monday...