E34 M50 Non-start issue - possible flooded? (Video included)

[garyjpaterson]

Hi, I'm back once again with another issue!


This morning, went to start my 1991 E34 M50 2.5 and was surprised (and annoyed!) to hear it crank over but not attempt to fire. At first it sounded as though the starter motor was spinning but the engine wasn't cranking, but the fan is spinning when I turn it over so it obviously is.


I spotted on another thread that starting the car and stopping it quickly could cause the engine to flood, and I did move the car a few metres last night (so it would have ran for maybe 10 seconds, if that) without thinking anything of it. Could this be the issue, and if so, any tips to getting it going again?


Below is a super short video (6 seconds) to let you hear it cranking over to see if that helps anyone identify the issue - turn it up, there is not much to see (its dark).





Thanks for any help in advance!

[squirrelhill]

You may want to try pulling the fuel pump fuse from the ebox under the hood (driver's side) and cranking the car a couple of times without the fuse to clear any flooded fuel. Then replace the fuel pump fuse and see if the car starts.

Also, do some searches re: fuel pressure regulator (FPR). You can quickly diagnose a failed/failing FPR by pulling the vacuum tube and smelling for gas. The fuel injectors could also be leaking.

When I had a no-start issue with my e34, it turned out to be a combo of a failing FPR and leaky injectors. Good luck and I am sure that some of the e34 experts (I am not one) will chime in with better/more detailed advice.

[garyjpaterson]

Thanks!

I got it going again, it definitely was flooded as was suggested on another forum. Cranked it for ages, not really a fan of that but just as I was about to stop I noticed the sound sort of change so kept at it - foot to the floor as suggested - slowly but surely it began to splutter and try to fire, eventually it did!

I'll keep an eye on it, it could just have been the fact it had a super short cold run as some others have done - if I continue with the flooding/starting difficulties under normal driving I'll check out your suggestions.

[Fantom Infinity]

I've had this happen to my '93 touring as well. Moved it from the driveway to the garage real quick and had it running for less than 30 seconds. Would crank but not start, so did exactly the same thing, foot to the floor and crank and crank and crank. Started up and haven't had an issue since.