Random Engine Issues - United Bimmer Community

**Empty Box** · 02-11-2007, 12:00 PM

My car is a 86 325Es...195k on the ODO......

Heres the issue...
Randomly my the engine will just randomly die. It just started the other day... I went around a corner with low fuel.... plus the cold, and just put it on a fuel issue. So, went to the gas station and put some gas in. However, later that night it did it again... Engine just died. Starts right back up. No troubles starting.

But first, before it dies, it will sort of "Sputter", push down on the gas and it just wont go, although a moment later it will go, then slow down again, as if i layed off the gas pedal....

So, does anyone have a clue? Just doing a quick browse here on the forum shows someone who seems to have the same issue, and things mentioned were the Fuel Pump/Filter, and the Plugs...

So, if anyone has a clue or has heard of this before... Please Chime in.

TIA.

**Dudesky** · 02-11-2007, 12:24 PM

Constantly running low fuel in the tank can burn out the fuel pump. You may also have a dirty or clogged filter. Thirdly, a failing Oxygen sensor will exhibit similar symptoms. Happy hunting!

**Empty Box** · 02-11-2007, 08:42 PM

Okay.... Heres an update.

Took the plugs out, i THINK they are still the originals. Which, probably isnt a good thing. However, the third cylinder back's (From the front) spark plug was COMPLETLEY BURNT. No thread or Electrode left.

So, we got the new plugs in, all except that one plug. We cant get it to screw in (There is no thread, i stuck my finger in to check, all there is some small bumps, not nearly enough to bite into) However, we cant get the spark plug in, even with the stripped thread on the motor... So, i think im screwed. Anyone got any ideas?

Im thinking MAYBE trying to run on 5 cylinders, although, i would only consider that as a temporary solution.... Thankfully everywhere i NEED to go is within 3 minutes of my house, so....

So, i ask again, does anyone have ANY ideas?

**Empty Box** · 02-12-2007, 09:55 AM

Another Update-

Upon closer examination after removing the coolant tank out of the way.... The rest of the spark plug is STILL down in the hole. Seems to be WELDED in solidly. No way have we been able to get it out... Trying WD40 last night (We had to stop. it started snowing, plus i had to go home) Although, WD40 needs time to penetrate, so i should think that sucker should be nice and lubed.

were gonna check the fuel filter today, if thats blocked then change it out. although, that leaves the issue of the plug still down in the head, welded in.

As for the O2 sensor.... Where is that located? Might as well take a look at that too

**celsdogg** · 02-12-2007, 11:12 AM

uhhhh. sounds bad. i wouldnt trust it, and running on 5 cylinders doesnt sound good to me. you might be able to tap it out, but honestly thats an area where precision is needed. id say either get a new head and rebuild the engine.

just my humble opinion, maybe someone else will have another idea.

**c1apton** · 02-12-2007, 12:44 PM

Sounds like that head is coming off. Tapping it or trying to pull broken plug while head still installed is risky. (particles in engine) I'd pull the head and let a machine shop have a go at it. They have tools to remove and put inserts in rather than risk gouging cylinder walls with debris. Another learning lesson to use Anti-Seize compound on spark plug threads when changing plugs.

**Numark318i** · 02-12-2007, 06:04 PM

if its running like crap try the ecu?

**Empty Box** · 02-12-2007, 11:00 PM

Okay... we're submitting... WD40 didnt work, so, to a mechanic it goes, thankfully my uncle knows a good mechanic.... Got my cousins car in... Pulled the head and put 3 new pistons in for 300 (On a Cavilier.... although.... thats a wee bit more... well, less junk to pull off the motor, althought that is still a good deal

)

So, hopefully it will be fairly cheap (well, realitively.... pulling a head off isnt gonna be cheap either way... but get a good deal) Atleast on the upside is that got some hands on experience on this car.

And, i really noticed how nice this car is to work on... i found that ALOT of the bolts were similar sized. no switching between sizes like some of the newer cars.

witeshark · 02-12-2007, 11:07 PM

Sounds encouraging

**Empty Box** · 02-22-2007, 05:08 PM

Well, took it into the shop here.... They managed to get it out.... $95 for the removal and a New Plug (Although, i had one bought.... so now i guess i have an extra plug (SCHWEET!!!!!))

Still dont know if that will fix the issues.... but worst come worse i'll take it back in next week, as then I'll have a different car to drive... (I need a car this weekend... currently dont have one)

It was either $95 or... if that didnt work.... $1600 to take it to a machine shop.... Umm... I was lucky it was the $95

**chrischeez** · 12-24-2007, 06:19 PM

how old is the fuel pump relay? it sounds like it might be heating up and shutting off. i don't know how often these go in bimms but in a rabbit it will do the same thing,nothing like it happening when your beating a honda

**jcjdavis1** · 12-26-2007, 04:31 AM

Hi. When you have the head off mind and replace-timing belt ,tensioner,waterpump,thermostat,all gaskets,oil spray bar and head bolts.With a bit of TLC it will last for another 190k.

nick_318is · 12-26-2007, 10:20 AM

Its Alive A Thread From The Dead!