1983 BMW 320 no idle, difficult starting

BIGDEE

MEMBER
1983 BMW 320

Engine Performance problem
1983 BMW 320 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 260K miles

My car has been idling roughly for a year. For impending sale, I adjusted the valves to.007" all around. This seemed to help, marginally. It failed Calif smog test because of "inconsistent timing mark, rough idle." I've been here before 2-3 times in the past 10 years. It's usually a cracked intake boot.
I have replaced the intake boot, the air filter (2 mos ago), the throttle valve gasket, cleaned the throttle valve (it was sooty), cleaned the air speed screw and replaced the o-ring, replaced the fuel pump, the fuel filter, and the fuel pump relay.
The car will run for about 5 seconds without accel pedal after sitting for an hour, as if it's using the cold start valve gas. If I can get it started, it will run fine with the throttle wide open. So I know the new pump is working.
Suspect: fouled plugs, accelerator cable stop needs adjustment, bad idle slide valve, air filter dirty from oil leak, corroded ground at fuse box.

What are your thoughts?

3 Replies

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

K-lambda is a pretty basic system but it does require a number of special tools and system knowledge to receive optimal output. There are several possibilities for your poor running condition starting with but not limited to the fuel distributor, and since I can only assume you possess the skills needed to return the car to running condition, lets start with checking the ignition, is there a spark? Is it hot and blue? Is the warm-up regulator functioning to specifications? What is the control pressure when warm? Let me know if you feel unable to report on these or other issues.

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Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 AT 7:53 PM

BIGDEE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I am disappointed that you took so long to reply. I figured it out on my own: the injector seals were stiff and cracked, which was evident by squirting carb cleaner on them and the car started right up and ran great until the fluid was sucked through the leaking seals.
Just so you know, when these 320's have problems, it is almost always something basic, and I'm a bit embarrassed that I did not figure it out before asking you. I was getting desperate.
But thanks for getting back.

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Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 AT 9:40 PM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

You are disappointed, I can understand. There are several Kbasic cars out there but for the most part, they have been crushed for scrap, this should be an indication of the future for 1983 cars.

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Sunday, August 16th, 2009 AT 11:56 AM