engine will turn over but not start

Author Topic: engine will turn over but not start  (Read 9851 times)

brianw84

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engine will turn over but not start
« on: May 12, 2009, 08:01:32 PM »
It seems like its not getting fuel, would i be correct in thinking i need a new fuel pump? Or could it be something simple like the fuel filter
?

Sophia69IS

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engine will turn over but not start
« Reply #1 on: May 13, 2009, 04:04:34 PM »
That's probably the best guess. See if any fuel is getting to the fuel rail. Actually, do you hear the fuel pump turn on when you turn the ignition in the on position? Because I know when I do I can hear the fuel pump turn on.

fazerfreak

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engine will turn over but not start
« Reply #2 on: May 13, 2009, 05:22:22 PM »
check the cps? (crank sensor) should be around 600ohm´s +/- 50 i think, gasspump wont start if its broken.
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DesktopDave

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engine will turn over but not start
« Reply #3 on: May 13, 2009, 09:19:41 PM »
Yup - likely the CPS.  I gave mine a good cleaning and the car started right up.  I also patched up a few cracked vacuum hoses.

You should do the stomp test first - if you're not getting a check engine light (and it's not burned out) it might also be that little fusible link off the battery buried in the trunk.  It's in the smaller positive wire, wrapped in shrink tube.
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brianw84

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engine will turn over but not start
« Reply #4 on: May 13, 2009, 09:59:34 PM »
thanks ill be cleaning the cps in the am. I got the car started, dont know why, but when i had the front up on jackstands it started, and is running now. Although it take significantly longer to get the engine started now. It also sounds like its backfiring now whenever I lift off the gas.

DesktopDave

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engine will turn over but not start
« Reply #5 on: May 14, 2009, 07:15:56 AM »
Glad to hear it!  Check for vacuum leaks, especially under the throttle body.  If unmetered air is getting in, it'd be difficult to start.  If it's running rich, I'd test the O2 sensor or the fuel pressure regulator.  Make sure that little vacuum hose coming off the regulator is in good shape.  If that's cracked it makes for all sorts of unpredictable symptoms.
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Sold: '97 Montrealblau 318iS, '91 Brilliantrot 318i, '91 Brilliantrot 318iS

brianw84

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engine will turn over but not start
« Reply #6 on: May 14, 2009, 10:33:50 AM »
The hoses are old, cracked and need to be replaced. Ill be doing that next week. Good to hear that may cure my current problem.

brianw84

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engine will turn over but not start
« Reply #7 on: June 16, 2009, 12:24:15 PM »
the car isnt starting again, it just cranks and cranks. ive installed a new fuel pump, filter, and cps sensor and still nothing. ideas? Ive switched the relays around to try to rule that out and no difference.

Blip Bavarian

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engine will turn over but not start
« Reply #8 on: June 16, 2009, 12:47:50 PM »
Does your CEL work?

DesktopDave

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engine will turn over but not start
« Reply #9 on: June 16, 2009, 01:00:21 PM »
Sounds like it's running too rich.  Get that meter and the Bentley out and test all the likely culprits for proper readings.  Make sure you don't have vacuum leaks, and check the little battery wire fusible link for continuity.

Do you get a check engine light?
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Sold: '97 Montrealblau 318iS, '91 Brilliantrot 318i, '91 Brilliantrot 318iS

brianw84

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engine will turn over but not start
« Reply #10 on: June 16, 2009, 01:53:33 PM »
the check engine light has been on forever because the o2 sensor is bad. that never caused the car to not start before.

DesktopDave

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engine will turn over but not start
« Reply #11 on: June 16, 2009, 04:28:17 PM »
Bad O2 sensor will make the car run rich but shouldn't keep it from running.  Do you know what the stomp test is?  Turn the car key to position 2 (don't start the car though), then press the gas pedal to the floor five times in less than five seconds?

If you're handy with a soldering gun you can swap that expensive O2 sensor for a cheap four-wire Bosch from a Ford Mustang.  They're functionally the same.  Fuel injectors too...all that's in here somewhere too.  Search for '19# injectors'

It'll make the computer blink a code out on the CEL.  Just search 'stomp test' here and you'll get all the info you need.
« Last Edit: June 16, 2009, 04:30:34 PM by DesktopDave »
'08 Karmesinrot 128i 6MT
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Sold: '97 Montrealblau 318iS, '91 Brilliantrot 318i, '91 Brilliantrot 318iS

brianw84

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engine will turn over but not start
« Reply #12 on: June 16, 2009, 05:33:04 PM »
i should have mentioned stomp test says no faults.  im running out of ideas.

B318M42W

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engine will turn over but not start
« Reply #13 on: June 17, 2009, 12:01:18 AM »
spark / air / fuel... is AFM good? are the plugs fireing? getting fuel on the plugs??? start with basics.
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DesktopDave

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engine will turn over but not start
« Reply #14 on: June 17, 2009, 09:02:36 AM »
I know you already replaced the CPS...I'd just pull the plug and test to see if pins 1&2 have the magic 680 ohms +- 10%.  I'd also test the throttle position sensor.

You're getting a CEL, so the DME, main relay and fusible link are most likely OK.

I'd also try to jump the fuel pump relay...eliminate that as a cause.  Pull the relay and put a paper clip or short bit of wire between terminals 30 & 87.  Pull either of the fuel lines and see if it's pumping gasoline...then reconnect the fuel line and see if that starts the car.

If that won't do it I'd try testing the fuel pressure...a bad FPR or pump will keep the engine from starting too.
« Last Edit: June 17, 2009, 09:07:15 AM by DesktopDave »
'08 Karmesinrot 128i 6MT
'86 Zinnoberrot 635CSi (M30B32/G265/3.46 torsen LSD)

Sold: '97 Montrealblau 318iS, '91 Brilliantrot 318i, '91 Brilliantrot 318iS