Messages

1

Engine + Driveline / timing chain woes

« on: April 13, 2008, 01:48:20 PM »

Had the same noise a week ago show up, did the research and concluded that it was the tensioner.  Replaced the tensioner and the sound stopped briefly and then was back again, I tried to get the car home and I did not make it.  I have the car at the shop, but am assuming the top end is $#%^@$.  So it may be the end of my 318IC days.....It sounded eaxactly like the video clip....I got rid of my 325ic because I drive a lot and was always worried about the timing belt....did have faith in the chain....but got me in the end.  The car only has 120K on it....so I guess it may have been neglected before I bought it!

2

Electrical / found the problem

« on: December 17, 2007, 09:46:00 PM »

After all the headache, I find today that the first guy who so called repaired the alternator, didn't.  He patched it up, called it a re build and billed me twice!
Found another shop to check it and said the first job was a hack job.  Said the first shop actaully tried to pry the bearing cover to repack the bearing rather than change it...the regulatorwas bad..the guy was recommended to me, you never know, but cost me about $350...popped the new alternator in and the car is running better than ever.
Thanks for the posts.

3

Electrical / Electrical charging problem

« on: December 09, 2007, 06:09:21 PM »

I will try tomorrow night again.
I have read more on other boards, on other things to check.
The fellow at the shop said he rebuilt the alternator and tested it but maybe he did not do it right.  There is definitely no charge going to the battery.
I found some other ways to try and differentiate between the alternator, regulator and wiring problems.
I will post again tomorrow.

4

Electrical / first tests

« on: December 09, 2007, 04:28:46 PM »

I charged the battery last night and then went and put it in the car today and drove it home.
At home I put a tester on the battery and reved the car to 1500rpm and the battery tester only showed +/- 11amps, so I guess it is not getting recahrged from the alternator.
The battery charge light does not go on when I turn the key on.  I disconnected the blue wire from the back of the alternator (as described in the bentley book) and when I grounded it and turned the key to the on position all the right side warning lights came on..battery light, the anti lock brake light, and the abs light.
I also noticed that when I put the blue wired back on the back of the alternator and turn the key to the on position, the abs light comes on for a second and I then hear two clicks and the light goes out.
The alternator was rebuilt, so I do not know if it is the regulator. I am not sure where the regulator is, or if it is internal.
Any thoughts appreciated.
I will keep posting my testing.
Thx

5

Electrical / Electrical charging problem

« on: December 08, 2007, 03:31:29 PM »

The car is not home yet, I went to get the battery out to charge it.  I will go and get the car later tonight, once the battery charges.  
I will try the diagnostics recommended in the bentley book for 'testing current drain'.  I will report once I get through the testing.  I will be thankful for any input.  Thanks for responding

6

Electrical / Electrical charging problem

« on: December 07, 2007, 07:02:33 PM »

I am back. My car was hit from the rear in October, insurance decided to fix it, found out it was the rear panel and bumper damage.
I posted in Oct/Nov about an electrical issue.
Long story short, my car keeps dying on me.
What happens is I will be driving along and all of a sudden my ABS light comes on, my check engine light and my stereo will shut off....I guess telling me I am draining the battery.  The battery is brand new and I have a rebuilt and tested alternator.  
I had an issue with my fuse box a while ago with my #15 fuse...it melted a bit of the fuse holder.  I do not know why that fuse over heated, but in my reading, that fuse also functions with the aux. fan. Which might be seized.
I guess my question is has anyone had to change their fuse box?  Or has anyone ever had this issue where the light falsh and the car dies.  I had to leave it today and go borrow another car to get to work.  I will have to go and see if I can get it home tomorrow. I don't want to keep throwing my at it, but I am out about $600 in tow bills, battery and alternator.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

7

General Topics / Insurance wants to write off my 318ic

« on: October 20, 2007, 08:16:38 PM »

I will post the insurance offer FYI

8

General Topics / Insurance wants to write off my 318ic

« on: October 19, 2007, 07:25:37 PM »

Well, I emailed a while ago and said I had been rear ended, well it pushed the rear bumper and lower valence and back lower trunk panel in.  No broken lights, trunk still opens and with a slight pull.  Car has very very little rust, and it is surface.  It has 180,000 km, new front end two weeks ago, new tires, new rotors and brakes....I am waiting to see what the insurance will offer.  
Any advice as to the value?

9

General Topics / HELP, car just died and I am stuck

« on: October 09, 2007, 07:50:12 PM »

okay next event,
I drove the car home after it started and it died near home.  Ended up getting towed.  I got the car home and looked and saw that the # 20 fuse had melted in the fuse box.  Got the pliers out removed it and then tried to start it but will need a boost.
I have no idea why the fuse melted, going through the boards I found this is common with a seized fan but my fan does move.
Any ideas...

10

General Topics / Just found blown fuse #20?

« on: October 09, 2007, 05:36:52 PM »

No idea why this has blown, but went out and the car started....all lights still on and found the fuse melted, not just blown...I do not have a clue why it would have gone.
I believe it is the heating & A/C fuse
Any thoughts sure appreciated...

11

General Topics / HELP, car just died and I am stuck

« on: October 09, 2007, 04:12:49 PM »

problem is I need it now, thanks...hey I am in Ottawa...

12

General Topics / HELP, car just died and I am stuck

« on: October 09, 2007, 03:50:39 PM »

I always thought the alternator light would not come on right away, but glow first.....shit.
Thanks

13

General Topics / HELP, car just died and I am stuck

« on: October 09, 2007, 03:19:48 PM »

Okay,  I got rear ended this weekend, pushed the bumper in about 3" -trunk still opens if you pull on it and you can see the tail lights are not tight to the back panel.  The wrap around bumper tips that are in front of the rear tires are now sticking into the wheel well.  Some guy comes off an offramp and plows into me and pushes me into the car in front of me.
I was out of town and drove it 300 miles home, that was two days ago.  Today my dash lights starting going crazy, Alt light glows, ABS light and engine light go on - sometimes they just flicker on and off.  Came to work, went to a meeting and on the way back the stereo cuts off -the tach starts to bounce and if I put on anything with power the rpm drop.  Turn the car off and now it does not start.  But if I turn the key on all the needles bounce,(tack/gas)or pulse....any ideas...
I just redid the front end, new rear wheel bearings and new tires, and some clown plows into me.  I have only had the IC for 2 months....with 115,000 miles, any advice before I have to take it to a shop....Thanks

14

Suspension / Anyone use FCP Groton parts?

« on: August 25, 2007, 05:35:09 PM »

Thanks,
its good to know, because I bought front end parts before off ebay and the rubbers on the bushings did not last a year....
The prices are great, so I will give them a try.
Cheers.

15

Suspension / Anyone use FCP Groton parts?

« on: August 25, 2007, 11:43:26 AM »

They are a good price, just wonder if anyone has used before I consider purchasing
Thanks