e36 wont start after replacing head gasket

MDRose64 · 04:40 AM

I have a 1995 325i that will not start after replacing the head gasket. It is getting fuel, plugs have gas on them. Did not check the spark yet... The engine turns over fine. I have 160 lbs compression. ... Could this be the crank sensor? Can u check it or do u have to just try a new one? Just one more thought is that I just got it back together and I do not have any coolant in system.... I just wanted to make sure it fired up before adding coolant.

Thanks

Mike

MDRose64 · 05-21-2009, 05:16 AM

Just got done checking for spark and I have spark.... So I do not get it ... I got gas and spark and it will not start.. Any ideas???

Thanks

Mike

coolbear1 · 05-21-2009, 08:23 PM

Are you confident that your timing is good? You may check to see if you have any fault codes also. Check crank and cam sensor plugs also. But you probably would not have spark if they were not sending a signal to the ECM.

I had a similar problem once after doing top end work on my wife's e36i. I finally drained the battery a couple of times and got mad. After putting a set of jumper cables to my truck, I put the petal to the floor and ground away on the starter. It backfired a puff of white smoke cough and sputtered a few times cleared up and is still running fine. Still don't know what the deal was.

MDRose64 · 05-22-2009, 07:54 AM

I have gone over the timing in my head numerous times and triple checked everything when I put it back together. I set the crank @TDC installed the cam lock tool with front cams lobs sort of facing one another. Installed the exhaust sprocket with the tensioner in and lined of the elongated holes with the holes at the left side of the elongated hole. then reoved tensioner and installed tensioner tool finger tight.Then installed cam sprockets with arrows up and the intake one with bolts in center. Installed bolts in 2nd exhaust sprocket finger tight. tightened up tensioner tool and installed vanous as manuel specified.. Then tighened the four bolts for the exhaust sproket.. I have check the resistance of the crank sensor and I get 537..I understand from the bentley manuel it should be 1100. ... Correct me if I did any thing wrong..

Thanks

Mike

coolbear1 · 05-22-2009, 10:02 AM

Sounds good to me. Have you done alot of cranking? I'm not exagerating about how hard mine was to crank, my theory is there was air in the vanos, but I don't know for sure. I had one hell of a time. I fouled the plugs twice before I finally got it to backfire. It still loaded up with fuel before it started, hense the backfire and smoke. Cleared right up though.

MDRose64 · 05-22-2009, 01:08 PM

Finally got it started,,, sees to run ok....It just won't idle ..idle goes up and down then stalls... I guess it is a bad iac valve ??? I have checked all vac lines and have replace many of them,,, anY IDEAS??

Thanks

Mike

Rucsak · 05-24-2009, 01:11 AM

I've not long ago had the problem with our 1998 316i Auto not running smoothly. Backfired a couple of times, lost power & use to stop as we were slowing down to stop. Turnout to be the fuel pressure regulator. Ours had the circlip on the top, replaced the 2 Orings ) taken note of the thrust washer position (had arrow marked towards the rubber hose. Runs like a dream now. Just a thought you could take a look at that. Good luck

tigerclaws · 06-18-2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDRose64

Finally got it started,,, sees to run ok....It just won't idle ..idle goes up and down then stalls... I guess it is a bad iac valve ??? I have checked all vac lines and have replace many of them,,, anY IDEAS??

Thanks

Mike

Hello Mike,
You said "Finally got it started" What did you do to get it starts? I also get the problem running after upgrade my VANOS., There is no spark on the plugs. The CRS/RPM reads exactly yours around 500 ohm as BM book says ~1200ohm.
Please share us what did you do to get it runs.
Thanks
Tigerclaws