Ummm.... So I took a chance. ***Now with Fire Content***
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*** UPDATE... Version I need a stiff drink ***
Good News!
On Wednesday night, I finished installing the new external fuel pump/accumulator/and fuel lines. I disconnected the bajo bolt at the fuel distributor and flushed out the lines, and decided to give her a go. Expert tip: I added pigtail wires to the new fuel pump so I wouldn't have to struggle to hook up the short leads provided by BMW under the car.
She wanted to fire up right away, but I assumed the the old gas had to get flushed out of the rest of the system. She eventually ran, but was running extremely rich and I needed to keep my foot on the throttle to keep her running. I hoped the fresh fuel mixed with fuel system cleaner would continue to flush everything out, and I kept her running up to operating temp and shut her down for the night.
I noticed the a banjo bolt was weeping fuel at the fuel filter, so I replaced the copper washer. Everything else looked good! I was hoping a little more cleaning, and a mixture adjustment and everything would be good to go. I also bled the brakes and got them working without issue.
Now, the bad news...
Yesterday I had half the day off , so I thought it would be a good time to work on the car a bit more since I work all weekend.
Things started off fine, the car fired up right away, but was still running rich and would not idle. I kept running the car, hoping the new fuel and cleaner would do its job for about 15 minutes. Things did not improve, so I decided to look into things further. I could not find any obvious vacuum leaks, or anything else, so I decided to try to start the car again.
The car did not start, and eventually stopped cranking. I assumed the cylinders were hydrolocked with fuel. I turned the ignition to the "on" position and jumped the fuel pump relay to discover the fuel injectors were spraying without the motor running.
I pulled the spark plugs, setting the wires to the side, and turned the motor over to clear out the fuel. As fuel began shooting out of each cylinder I head a large "WOOOOOF", and approximately 6 foot flames were now shooting out of the passenger side of the engine bay. Maybe I should have disconnected the coil before dousing the exposed plug wires with fuel?
I was extremely lucky. I quickly grabbed a large wool moving blanket and was able to smother out the fire, not before singeing my beard and eye lashes. Luckily the fire only burned the insulation on wires for the ignition coil, and oxygen sensor, which were easily repaired.
After taking a little breather, and pouring a glass of Blanton's bourbon; I explained to my wife my foolish ways. Needless to say she was not impressed.
I decided to call it a day. I'll troubleshoot the fuel issues at a later time. My thought is the piston in the fuel distributor is stuck in the open position a bit, feeding the injectors.
Lessons learned. I need to take my time, have a plan, and always have a fire extinguisher handy. You would think that a firefighter like me would know this? It's easy to become complacent.
More updates, without fire, to continue...
-Tim
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gives a new meaning to 'it fired right up'
glad you and the shop are ok!
Dan
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SUCCESS!!!
The old girl is idling on her own! Still have some adjustments to do... there was a small stone lodged where the mixture screw is, and once I got it out, the screw is too tight for my makeshift extended 3mm Allen wrench to turn.
I threw some penetrating oil on it to help loosen it up in the meantime while I go purchase a longer wrench.
The O2 sensor was reading about .72 volts when warmed up. I’m confident once the mixture is leaned out she’ll run like a champ!
Best part, no fire!!!
Time for a Busch Latte...
-Tim
59BD0CA0-1FF9-4871-83F2-E3648E170001.mp4
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SHE’S ON THE ROAD AGAIN!!
Well, it’s been since 1998, but the old girl is back on the road under her own power.
Amazingly, she drives better than I thought! Goes down the road straight, and most things seem to be working as they should. It’s easy to tell the suspension bushings, and tie rod ends are cooked.
20 miles so far, and looking forward to many more.
-Tim
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SUCCESS!!!
The old girl is idling on her own! Still have some adjustments to do... there was a small stone lodged where the mixture screw is, and once I got it out, the screw is too tight for my makeshift extended 3mm Allen wrench to turn.
I threw some penetrating oil on it to help loosen it up in the meantime while I go purchase a longer wrench.
The O2 sensor was reading about .72 volts when warmed up. I’m confident once the mixture is leaned out she’ll run like a champ!
Best part, no fire!!!
Time for a Busch Latte...
-Tim
And now his wife gave him an early birthday present for the garage.....can you guess what it was??......a fire extinguisher!!
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Sounds healthy!
Great rescue! What do you think you will do with it?
Thanks Brian!
I’m gonna take my time with this one, try to do most the work myself, and keep it as original as possible.
I’ll probably start working on the interior next, freshen up the suspension, and tackle the little things for now. I’ll start saving my pennies since I dumped my savings into the S52 swap for the ‘86, lol.
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Not much new to update on the e21 project... put several hundred miles on her over the summer with no issues while I focused on other projects.
Interior bits & pieces are on the agenda while the cars are sleeping for the winter.
Scored a decent set of tan e30 sport seats since I can’t find any e21 replacements. I’ve heard they fit nice, but will need work to fit the uneven floor of the old girl. I’d appreciate any insight from any local experts!
Here’s to a good winter, looking forward to the next driving season! Keep ‘er outta the ditch!!
-Tim
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The approach I took was cutting out the old seat perch risers from the e21 and welding in cross bars that sit a lot lower. The problem with using the e21 seat perches is the e30 seats will sit way too high. Making new cross supports lower in the chassis is the only way to go.
Great job bringing this one back to life!
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