318i won’t start

[danhenrie]

Here’s my issue I have a 1994 BMW 318 I replace the head gasket after the car head sat for two years. Now the car won’t start I tried pulling the codes this morning and get somewhat of an anomaly. I get just one long flash followed by the code 1223 coolant sensor (which I replaced when I replaced the head) then another long flash and the code 1223 again. This repeated over and over for 5 minutes before I gave up. I never get the 1000 code and don’t now what this would mean. Any help would be appreicated

[Eric93se]

How old is the battery? What voltage do you get?

[ed323i]

How old is the battery? What voltage do you get?

+1

Also, it might be that some memory contents in the DME has gone corrupt.. Disconnect battery, wait a few hours, and retry.
If that doesn't help, you can also disconnect battery, disconnect DME connector, wait a few hours (to be safe, perhaps 15 minutes is enough) and retry.

I, once, over 10+ years ago, bought an E36 318i, which the seller said wouldn't start anymore.
So, I made an appointment, drove over directly, and bought it for 500 euro, installed another DME which I had previously bought at a junk yard for 30 euro, and behold, the car started directly. Alas, it wasn't the exact same partnumber, so it was misfiring badly.
Then I decided to retry the original DME, and it started immediately. I repaired a few small things and sold the car easily for 1500 euro. That was one of the easiest 1000 euro I made in my life :-) .

If that's not it, you'll have to debug it, a step at a time.. the special big amp fuse (forgot it's name, it's near the battery), DME relay, fuel pump relay, does the coil pack receive 12V with ignition on, do the coils fire, do the injectors squirt, etc, etc..

Update: fusible link is the name for the "special big amp fuse"..

[danhenrie]

Update. Swapped the DME relay. Started after using copious amounts of carb cleaner. Ran like crap. Stalling, no power. Unplugged the MAF. Starts great, runs up to 2000rpm for about 30 second than back to crappy idle and and no power. Replaced MAF with one from a junkyard. Initially the exact same thing. So I unplugged it, it started great then idled rough. So while it was running I plugged the “new” maf in. Idle perked right up but still lacking power. As in it’s parked on a hill right now and it’s all I can do to get it to drive up the hill at crawling speeds.

- - - Updated - - -

Also the intake boot is new as are the hoses to the injectors and the ICV. Don’t see any leaks but I’ll test fog it tonight

[ed323i]

I think it would be a good idea to check fuel pressure in the injector rail.
After sitting for 2 years, sometimes the fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator dies. Or perhaps the fuel filter.

Good luck!

[jc43089]

Fuel pressure test and smoke test to look for more intake leaks would be the next checks that I would do. Are you sure the cam timing is right? Did you empty the old fuel out and put fresh in?

[danhenrie]

Pretty sure the cam timing is on. Smoke test showed nothin. Replaced the fuel filter and then Did a fuel pressure test. When I jump the relay it shows about 46 pounds. When it’s running it shows 40. When I rev it i get about a 6 pound increase.
Fuel pump?

[jc43089]

The pressure should rise when you rev it. I don't know fuel pressure spec for a 318 offhand. Maybe somebody else does. That pressure sounds about right though. It would at least start.