Re: E21 Headache (archive)

A start problem in hot weather with the K-Jet system is an indication of too much fuel in the mixture. Obviously, when the weather, or car is cold this is not an issue. You can narrow the problem down pretty easily.
If your fuel economy is normal, the problem is very likely that the fuel injectors,(perhaps cold start injector)are leaking. When the car sits, fuel leaks down and floods the engine. A quick test is if the car starts well immediately after running, but will not start after 5-10 minutes or until the engine cools,leaky injhectors are the culprit. This is a pretty easy fix, and you can test this yourself.

If your fuel economy is down, and the engine lacks power or runs roughly when warm, the problem is much more difficult to ascertain. Without a fuel pressure guage, the only way to fix is to start replacing, one component at a time. This is not a wise decision.
One thing you can do yourself is disconnect the oxygen sensor. If it improves the condition, you know the problem is in the engine management system. If taking the oxygen sensor out of the loop does nothing, the problem is somewhere in the fuel path-- pump,distributor,warmup regulator, injectors.
Having gone through the same troubles for over a year as well, and knowing your frustration, my bet would be you have a set of leaky injectors.
Good luck, and e-mail me if you need more detailed help.
Edward
I love my car but it is giving me a lot of problems. It seems like everytime I get a problem cured, another one pops up. I tinkered with the k-jet and now the car idles but it still doesn't start if it is hot outside. I think that I might consider selling the car to a good home. Someone who can devote more time to all the little things. Anybody got any suggestions on what I should do.

I have been messin' with this starting problem for a year now and it just won't get any better. The car idles now and starts fine when the temps are low. But if I drive the car and then let it sit outside in the heat. It won't start back up again. It has a mind of its own. Also my clutch is not working right. If i set at a light with the car in gear and my foot on the clutch and then take my foot off the brake, the car with start to go forward like I am letting off the clutch, it takes about 10 sec. for it to do this. So I have to sit with the car in nuetral and then shift it into gear when the light turns green. I have bled the clutch at the slave cylinder, but it is no better. Any ideas???

Thanks in advance

Brian.
81 320is

Follow Ups:

[ Follow Ups ] [ 3-series (E21) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.