Author Topic: can't get my car past 4000rpms... (Read 4015 times)

Slick92GS-R · « **on:** June 27, 2010, 04:30:51 PM »

ok.. maybe 4200 rpms max.. wtf?.. sounds really rough and no power up there whatsoever .. best i've seen is 85mph in 5th !..

'93 E36 318is 5spd

looking at some new BKR6EK's and a new paper filter..

mpg's are meh cuz i'm all city driving..

the car idles really rough & sputters when on 93 octane but runs fine on 87...go figure

any ideas?

colin86325 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 27, 2010, 07:53:36 PM »

Could be your crank sensor crapping out.

jscribble · « **Reply #2 on:** June 27, 2010, 08:10:45 PM »

Fuel starvation? Filter, pressure regulator, pump, strainer, injectors. Did you check fault codes? They may point you in the right direction.
Definitely check plugs.

Romrog318is · « **Reply #3 on:** June 27, 2010, 08:34:49 PM »

^^^ this

Warsteiner · « **Reply #4 on:** June 27, 2010, 09:12:31 PM »

Have you jacked your car up recently? On the driver's side? Right before this started happening?

jscribble · « **Reply #5 on:** June 27, 2010, 09:45:31 PM »

Quote from: Warsteiner;93951

Have you jacked your car up recently? On the driver's side? Right before this started happening?

Lol. I love where this is going.

Warsteiner · « **Reply #6 on:** June 27, 2010, 10:02:04 PM »

I know....but I'm totally serious.

jscribble · « **Reply #7 on:** June 27, 2010, 10:11:27 PM »

Oh I know. I must admit, it took me a second at first. I could see that happening though. You think outside the box.

Slick92GS-R · « **Reply #8 on:** June 27, 2010, 11:29:53 PM »

Quote from: Warsteiner;93951

Have you jacked your car up recently? On the driver's side? Right before this started happening?

i've never known it to perform any better.. i recently got this car running .. got a good deal and swapped in a M42 from an e30 because the original E36 M42 head was cracked.. car spent some time on jackstands ..

what's your theory .?

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 28, 2010, 04:16:32 AM »

Check your coils........

Sean_318is · « **Reply #10 on:** June 28, 2010, 05:00:22 AM »

Timing sensors?

jscribble · « **Reply #11 on:** June 28, 2010, 08:33:06 AM »

Check under the the drivers side, there are metal lines run along there, 2 of which are fuel. If they are compressed, it could be reducing fuel pressure at the rail.

How does the engine run below 4k? Smooth idle? How is throttle response?

Coils are also a good idea.

If you haven't done it, do a full tune up. All filters, oil, plugs etc. Check for cracked or melted plug wires, loose wire connections (anywhere), and test voltage with the car running.

Any fault codes?

Warsteiner · « **Reply #12 on:** June 28, 2010, 12:03:35 PM »

Jscribble has it just about right:D The fuel line could be crushed but it's probably more so the return line that is building pressure in the fuel rail and causing the engine to flood because the fuel can't get back to the tank.
Having been on jack stands might just be the key, but you would have to check to be sure.
~Ralph

Slick92GS-R · « **Reply #13 on:** June 28, 2010, 10:51:36 PM »

Quote from: jscribble;93963

Check under the the drivers side, there are metal lines run along there, 2 of which are fuel. If they are compressed, it could be reducing fuel pressure at the rail.

How does the engine run below 4k? Smooth idle? How is throttle response?

Coils are also a good idea.

If you haven't done it, do a full tune up. All filters, oil, plugs etc. Check for cracked or melted plug wires, loose wire connections (anywhere), and test voltage with the car running.

Any fault codes?

Under 4k, i have no problems .. rock steady idle (700-800rpm) and throttle response is crisp..

i will check to see if any of those fuel lines may be crushed/kinked.
I did have a leaking FPR as a result of a bad o-ring and loose locking ring but those have been corrected.

i've noticed that my check engine light would come on @ anything over 3500rpm with constant throttle (example, on the highway) but if i back off slightly it goes away .. think the code registers so i can check it ?

Also .. i've noticed that my fuel 'evap/purge valve' is not connected to anything ..seems i never found where to have it reconnected after the engine re-install..

jscribble · « **Reply #14 on:** June 28, 2010, 11:59:24 PM »

evap/purge valve? It's late, and I might be very wrong here, but do you mean the black canister? That needs vacuum from the valve cover. Weak spark or fuel starvation are my top guesses. I would double check anything that has been done to the car recently, especially fpr. For fun, change the fuel filter. It's really cheap and can't be done too often.

Pull and check the plugs. Note the color, or take pics preferably.

Have you run the stomp test for fault codes? Really just guessing here without some evidence. Ecu is pretty smart for 20 years old.

Warsteiner, I hadn't really thought of that. Good point.

If you like this car now, wait til you see it hit the power band.