M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: mtelman on October 08, 2011, 03:44:43 PM

Title: Help.. i just replaced my head gasket ....
Post by: mtelman on October 08, 2011, 03:44:43 PM
Well i replaced my head and head gasket.  it took a long time but all seems to have went well. but now when i start the car it races to red line and i turn off the key... some one said it might be a vacuum leak but how to find it if i can not start the motor???


And input would be welcome... help please
Title: Help.. i just replaced my head gasket ....
Post by: mtelman on October 08, 2011, 03:45:33 PM
oh sorry.. its a 1990 318i sedan... with of coarse the M42 motor...
Title: Help.. i just replaced my head gasket ....
Post by: wazzu70 on October 08, 2011, 07:36:47 PM
A vac leak won't make it rev to redline. The engine shouldn't have the right timing to do this with the throttle plate closed.

Make sure all your sensors are plugged in, especially the TPS. I would also disconnect the throttle cable so you know its not holding the throttle WOT. :D
Title: Help.. i just replaced my head gasket ....
Post by: Warsteiner on October 08, 2011, 07:49:38 PM
I second what NickHertlein said!

~Ralph
Title: Help.. i just replaced my head gasket ....
Post by: DesktopDave on October 09, 2011, 10:14:17 AM
Yep...TPS or AFM switches...or even a binding throttle cable.  BMW issued a recall that added a little clip to fix a cracked tube on the TB bracket adjuster.
Title: Help.. i just replaced my head gasket ....
Post by: monty23psk on October 09, 2011, 09:47:18 PM
longshot, but stuck accelerator cable.
Title: Help.. i just replaced my head gasket ....
Post by: Isamemon on October 10, 2011, 10:00:38 AM
well Ill throw a kink into it

Ill go wiht a throttle cable issue, not the TPS

my reason, my TPS went bad a few months ago, I unplugged, it. Car runs great, fuel economy still good.

However :( timing chain has got the car parked for a few weeks, when I replace the chain etc, ill replace the tps and other misc things Ive put off

chain did not snap or anything, just too noisy and dont want anything to break
Title: Help.. i just replaced my head gasket ....
Post by: DesktopDave on October 10, 2011, 04:03:31 PM
Check the idler gear bearing along with the guides & tensioner.  They're all weak spots, BMW updated them all in later M42's & '44's.