Re: starting a 325is

[alex.fadeev@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Gary,
You need fuel, oxygen and fire (spark) to run the engine. One of the three 
is either mixing or over supplied. The trick is finding which one. You 
will most likely need the Bentley E30 manual (www.rb.com) if you don't 
already own it.
Start by checking the fuel supply. Are the spark plugs wet or dry when the 
car is refusing to start?
Next test your ignition system: coil, distributor and plugs. When was the 
last time your replaced the last two? Take a look at the wires to make 
sure they are not damaged. 

If all of the above seams daunting or does not ring any bells, have the 
car towed to a reputable independent mechanic. Ask around at your local 
BMW CCA chapter meeting for a recommendation if you do not know any.

alex f

"Gary I. Appelbaum" <gary@domain.elided> wrote:
> Okay, here's one for you:
> Yesterday afternoon, on a relatively mild day (read melting and mud
> everywhere), I started my 1988 325is after last using it the night 
before
> without incident.  It started right up, but stalled about 3 seconds 
later.
> No more starting it for the day.  I tried repeatedly, but time being 
against
> me, I gave up and took my other vehicle.  I tried again when I returned, 
> about 2 hours later. No go. And again, about 4 hours later before I went 
to
> sleep.  The engine would crank over, but would not fire.  This morning, 8 
> hours later in 13 degree temperatures, it started right up.  I let it idle
> for a minute then drove it to the end of the block and back (about 1/2 
mile),
> parked it and shut it off.  Immediately tried to restart it.  It did start
> but stalled within 3 seconds.  Now it won't start again.  A car that will
> start only once every 8 hours?  Bad car!
> Any suggestions to help fix this thing?  TIA
> 
> Gary A.

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