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Thread: 1988 M3 Turns Over, But Want Start: Distributor or Fuel Pump?

  1. #1
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    1988 M3 Turns Over, But Want Start: Distributor or Fuel Pump?

    1988 M3 Turns Over, But Want Start: Distributor or Fuel Pump? What the best way to test?
    It's the Machine in Me!

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    There are a whole lot of things besides the fuel pump and the distributor that can prevent your car from starting. But okay:
    To test the ignition system, you pull one spark plug wire, put a spark plug in it, ground the threads of the spark plug, and turn the key to start position. If the plug sparks, the ignition system is not likely your issue.

    To test the fuel delivery, you remove the fuel feed hose from the fuel rail, "T" in a fuel pressure gauge and reconnect the hose, then turn the key to start position and see whether the gauge reads 3 bar (about 44 psi).

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    hiss by my window
    '88 M3? Won't start?
    The car is probably ready for the scrap heap. Being the generous sort of guy I am I could be persuaded to take it off your hands.
    Seriously, check for spark and fuel as already advised and let us know what you find.
    Last edited by ross1; 07-17-2018 at 10:21 AM.

    If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue

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