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1990 BMW 525i

Question: hard time starting

Question

kalemazkour, Holbrook, AZ, November 24, 2010, 16:18
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My car had a hard time starting and has gotten progressively worse. it would die at idle or at a stop sign. Sometimes it would turn over and eventually start and other times it would take a while and drain the battery and need a charge or jump. yesterday it took 20 minutes with a jump before it started. today i couldnt get it to start it just kept turning and turning and would not start. I tested the fuel line and it did spit gas into a cup. I also tightened a loose throttle cable.

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  • Answer #1

    ZeeTech November 24, 2010, 17:07
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    It's could be many things, but I'd pay attention to the crank shaft position sensor. You also have to check the fuel pressure, just because it spits fuel the pressure could be way lower than the minimum necessary.

    Zee

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    kalemazkour, November 26, 2010, 12:24
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    after checking the fuel pressure, it actually acts like its getting too much fuel. So maybe the problem is is that its flooding itself? I think i smell gas on the oil dipstick so i think the gas is flowing too much. Where do i go from here? What would control the flow of fuel?

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    ZeeTech, November 26, 2010, 12:45
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    There might be a a problem with the ignition system. Excess fuel could be in the combustion chamber if there is no spark, or not strong enough to burn the fuel.
    Did you check the spark plugs, or if they firing correctly?

    Zee

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    kalemazkour, December 03, 2010, 10:16
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    changed the spark plugs. Nobody in my area will touch this car. Single mom who cant afford a lot. firing correctly. Took distributor cap off, everything looks fine. Could it be a sensor? How do you test those? Is there some testing equipment I can purchase?

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    ZeeTech, December 03, 2010, 19:59
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    I really would like to help you, but it could be for many different things. The best thing would be to get a computer diagnostic, I know you have to pay for it, but least you know exactly what's the problem and you don't spend $$$ for unnecessary parts.

    Zee

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    kalemazkour, December 03, 2010, 23:55
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    could it be beyond that and be an exhaustion problem? the car did sit for a while and got progressively worse. almost like its plugged up? can i do my own diagnostic cheaper than a shop?

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