Author Topic: e30 m42 Help Please (Read 3001 times)

no1_jazz · « **on:** November 07, 2009, 01:39:07 PM »

Hi there guys it�s been a long time and yet another few problems lol

Rite it�s a standard E30 1.8IS with:

Problem 1- start up: On cold start up it fires up straight away and when warm she has trouble starting up (expression � th tht tht th and then eventually starts up).

Problem 2- Running rich: when car is switched on and is at normal temp (half way on the temp gauge) a strong smell of petrol coming from the exhaust and slightly from the engine bay area.

Lastly

Problem3- engine hunting: when engine is switched on and it is idling at 850rpm she sounds as if though she is loosing air and is struggling to breath, Although the rev needle dose not fluctuate up or down. It remains at 850rpm.

All help & is much appreciated guys
Many thanks
Jazz

quinn11m20 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 07, 2009, 02:35:46 PM »

Ok. Check all your hoses. I mean vacuum hoses. It is very normal for these to have a leak unless you have replaced them just recently with some performance made hoses.

From 750 to 950 RPM, I believe is the normal idle range.

As for the gas smell, it could be running rich or check your charcoal canister. I believe you guys in the UK call it the Vapor canister. I am originally from Scotland myself, so I know all the idioms between the US and the UK. I was born in Prestwick and grew up in California. And I used to live off of the Kings Road in Chelsea.

Also check your exhaust manifold. Generally If you have not done any good maintanence and I mean good. Do it this weekend. Good Luck.

no1_jazz · « **Reply #2 on:** November 07, 2009, 02:55:37 PM »

Cheers buddy,

All vacume hoses have been replaced today but it still seems to be struggling for air.... i do regular services every 3 to 4 months in this car it has 170k on the clock and is still going strong .

How long have u been in the states now? Believe you are not missing much over here as the uk is the same old boring place lol unless you have millions on you to spend lol. In which case many people do nto have lol .

Where is the vapour canister located?
Regards
Jazz

quinn11m20 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 07, 2009, 03:13:56 PM »

Thats good all the hoses have been replaced. They are overlooked a lot. Make sure your AFM is plugged in. Also check to make sure all your hose clamps are tight.

As for the vapor canister, it sits directly below the brake cylinder and AFM. Its mounted to YOUR passenger side. Over here it would be the Driver.

As for me I have lived in the states since 1980 and have been back and forth since then. I am 34 now. My GrandFather passed away in 05 and that was the last time I had been back to Scotland.
I loved living in London. I was 13,14 then and basically went everywhere I could. I miss the underground and seeing the sites. I attended the American School in London at St. James Wood.

quinn11m20 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 07, 2009, 03:15:56 PM »

Oh by the way make sure that your Oil Filler Cap is secure. That is overlooked as well. Mine wasn't for years until I replaced it. You would be suprised if it leaked air through the cap how bad the engine runs.

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #5 on:** November 07, 2009, 03:20:58 PM »

^yep, they sell replacement gaskets for that thing too. Or just buy a new cap.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #6 on:** November 07, 2009, 08:30:48 PM »

+1 on the vapor canister...I'd go look over the exhaust for leaks and check the O2 sensor. Both could cause your symptoms. Can you get codes from your car? I heard that the Euro cars can't do the stomp test with the check engine light.