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Re: E21 323i - cold start problems

>I have a 1980 323i which is in perfect condition.  During this winter
>time, however, it has a lot of trouble starting the engine.
>
>In the early morning, it usually takes me two or three times to start
>the car. (Sometimes it even takes 5 or 7 times in really cold
>weather.)  Once the engine is running, the engine usually cut off at
>the first traffic light /intersection as I stop and go.(the car just
>stall)  Perhaps there is lack of power at low rev when the engine
>hasn't been warmed up.
>
>But it starts and run perfectly once it reachs the operating
>temperature.  And this usually doesn't happen in summer.

My '80 E21 323i experienced similiar starting problems. The contacts in the
K-Jetronic Warm-up regulator had corroded. Cleaning the contacts fixed my
problem. I would hope that this is one of the "etc." items your specialist
checked.

Techron has worked well on my mechanical injectors. I recently took them in
to the local Bosch Diesel Injector repair place (they were kind enough to
test my injectors for me.)  All six were working just fine.

They are easy to take off and it's an excellent opportunity to replace the
seals (@ $2 each.)

< begin TIC (Tongue in Cheek)> Here's a novel and inexpensive method to
de-carbonize your cylinders - develop a small leak in your head gasket. The
antifreeze does a marvelous job of cleaning the carbon ridge in the
cylinder, the top of the piston and the valves. If you do this right it
will only leak after the cooling system is warmed and pressurized and there
is insufficient pressure in the cylinder to keep the antifreeze out.

You'll know when you have it right. About every sixth time you restart the
car you'll get a whiff of burnt antifreeze and tiny puff of smoke. Don't
develop too large a leak or you'll get hydrostatic lock or a billowing
cloud of white smoke - too obvious.

There is a slight downside. The antifreeze does not make a marvelous
lubricant at high temperatures - something about the boiling point. If you
catch it early enough you'll get to face the dilemma tree. Oil pressure was
still good - Did it really do any damage? As long as I've got the head off,
should I go ahead and rebuild the engine? Will I ever get my money back out
of the car? How long will my wife let me clog the whole garage? If I do
rebuild the engine will I finally have to replace the seats? <End TIC>

Good luck!

Chip

Recycling the yuppie cast-offs...

'73 2002
'80 323i
'86 745i

=================================================
Chip Byers, Systems and Programming Manager
(chip@domain.elided)
Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet)
=================================================