1980 320i hot start problems

[Traveller]

Posting for a neighbor who owns a 1980 BMW 320i that he has owned since new.

He recently started having trouble starting the car after it has sat around for 30 minutes or so after being shut down after use (warm or hot engine). It cranks but just doesn't want to start up easily.

Any ideas I can pass along to him would be appreciated.

Can a mod move this to the appropriate folder.

[markdas]

Probably need to check if you are getting 12v to the coil when this happens, also check for spark both out of the coil using the king lead to ground and also with a lead to one of the plugs.....

Then check you have 12v at the main relay (and that the relay is good - check it when cold and hot), same for the 12v to the fuel pump relay.

It also sounds as though the fuel pressure is bleeding off somewhere and maybe the pump is getting a bit tired and its not re-pressuring the system quickly enough....do a fuel pressure check if possible.

There could be a fuel pressure regulator issue?

Check the fuel vent line is clear, perhaps you are pulling a vacuum in the fuel tank...remove the filler and see if you get a rush of air in (or even out)....

Try and gather up the details each time it happens and see what constants you find.......engine temp, time between starts when this happens, clicks or noises (or lack of them) when you try and start etc?

Hope some of that helps

Mark

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by markdas

Hope some of that helps

Mark

Thanks Mark. Without seeing the car (he lives a block over), I was thinking fuel pressure. I have a fuel pressure gauge; its a matter of making a fitting for connection.