1971 Other BMW Models Won't Start

FMERRIMA

MEMBER
1971 BMW

Engine Mechanical problem
1971 Other BMW Models 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I have a finicky car, a 1971 BMW Bavaria 2.8, that only starts when you pour gas down the carbs. The carbs have been rebuilt; it has two. Numerous parts have been replaced including the fuel filter and fuel pump which has been replaced twice. That means it has had three fuel pumps on it including the original. The mechanic that I have working on it is stumped. It currently has a new Bosch fuel pump. The auto store said that the fuel pump should solve all of the fuel delivery problems. Hmm. Does it have something to do with the placement of the fuel pump? It was mounted right where the old one was. Could there be something wrong with the intake? Would a bad intake gasket cause it not to start? Bad intake manifold hose? Intake valve? I'm not a mechanic but it seems like it should be easier to fix. Just a matter of knowing what to fix. Any ideas? Thanks.

4 Replies

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

Are the carbs the original Zenith carbs? How does it run once you get it running?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 10:37 AM

FMERRIMA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yes the carbs are the original Zenith with new kits installed. Don't know how it runs as someone else is working on it. He just told me it will run if you pour gas in the top of the carbs. Somehow the fuel isn't getting where it needs to be?

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 1:57 PM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

I would say the fuel being poured into the carbs to run should be a pretty good indicator that there is a fuel delivery problem. If the person (I resist using the term technician) working on your car cant solve that issue, then maybe it is time to find another that can. Fuel delivery on the old coupes was and is one of the easiest to diagnose and trouble shoot, if there is fuel in the tank and it can be picked up by the pump, and the fuel pump has the correct length pushrod, and the filter is new, and the carbs have been rebuilt correctly, and the lines aren't crushed, then there should be no reason for a fuel delivery issue.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 3:01 PM

DAVER2010

MEMBER
2 POSTS

When you get problem to put any BMW engine on it always advisable to make sure that all power terminals are well connected to prevent any battery failure. This will ensure that if terminals are on well placed no short can be experienced.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, June 10th, 2010 AT 10:32 AM