It Runs!

[jbowen944]

We did it Folks!

The engine fired up, and seems to be holding all fluids. I'm bleeding brakes and clutch today, then tires! I'm thinking i need to adjust my idle, but am unsure and wanted to check with you all. The engine turns on, but then wants to die unless i give it gas. Giving it gas it sounds good, so is this idle adjustment or something else?

[Beam318ti]

Congrats. You may also want to check for vacuum leaks if the car does not idle properly.

[320iAman]

Sounds like air or fuel issue, congrats on getting the car to start up.

Randy

[jbowen944]

So my tanks appear to be leaking at the bolt holes, I'm thinking the guy that hot tanked them ruined the seal. Going to drop and drain tomorrow, I'm thinking POR-15 to seal them up hopefully. My fuel pump relay may be bad, but i need to check it. Any advice on what to check for in terms of my idle issue? I've got all brand new hoses throughout the car, including vacuum lines, unsure of where to start to figure it out. All brand new fuses in the car as well, but original relays.

[jbowen944]

Also is there a specific way the headlights fit in?

[mossyoaks]

Your best bet is to try and source intact and usable fuel tanks. They're getting scarce, tho. Hard to seal up a rusty tank.

Big hurdle cleared now that the engine is firing up. Congrats!

Most likely you have a vacuum issue that is preventing the engine to idle properly. Getting the air plate (on the fuel distributor) adjusted properly will be important too. And don't forget the idle adjustment on the intake.

Just keep at it and I'm sure you'll get there.

[jbowen944]

Tanks don't have any rust, I'm thinking the leak must be near the top or from pressure because they leaked down and stopped after a certain point, but are still pretty full. Going to drop and coat the inside, double check all the hose connections, along with checking all my fuel pump connections. Once i can confirm that fuel leak has stopped, I'll try spraying starter fluid near all the vacuum connections to test for a leak, though it's all new hose. Distributor runs to the intake, charcoal canister connected to intake, there's no open ports. Once the tanks are back in, I think i'll try my mixture screw to see if that helps, or should i check the air plate first? I have two fuel distributors/air intake units, so if push comes to shove i can test it.

[eqrock]

I'm thinking the leak must be near the top or from pressure because they leaked down and stopped

When I first got my car running I had a pretty big leak on passenger side top tank. It turned out to be the connection in the fuel feed line where the rubber hose screws into the metal line that was leaking. So before you go to the trouble of dropping the tanks you might want to remove the rear seat and the inspection cover and have a look at the top of the passenger side tank.

And congrats on bringing it back to life!

[John Adkins]

Do your fuel tanks leak only when full? Could be leaky, old connections on the tops of the tanks...mine was.

[jbowen944]

Pin hole under the foam tank insulation, resealing today with POR-15.

[jbowen944]

Tanks are back in, got it idling. Idles rough at around 800, but I disconnected the booster hose and it revved up to 1500 with a smooth idle, coming up to temp and holding power. My original motor had a secondary black wiring harness connected to the primary engine harness, but my new engine did not, so I left it out during the rebuild. Could this be causing my issue? Or is this a mixture adjustment? I did a starter fluid test on all vacuum hoses, no leaks or issues there. Any suggestions are most welcomed, as I'm not too sure what the proper fix might be.

[jbowen944]

ran a timing light and adjusted distributor until Z Ball was slightly off center around 2200rpm, it runs better put still wants to die out a little when idling at base level. Got to drive it for the first time though around the driveway, it's a joy. Any tips on tuning the engine to smooth it out a little, and get the best running for it?

[SilverPuddle]

JB,

If you have not already, I recommend that you take the time to read these faq posts about adjusting the idle:
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...7#post15904137

Good luck and patience will get this straighten up for you.

Great job on getting the car back on the road!

[jbowen944]

Test drive today, can't seem to get any real power. Idle is fine but i'm not able to get over 40.

[jbowen944]

I'm going to take it in to my local old school import shop and have them test it out, probably get a new muffler and straight pipe the cat if its clogged. Hoping this'll help with the lack of power, along with having someone who has worked on these tuning it.

[jbowen944]

No start, I've got backfire through the intake. Could this be too much air to not enough fuel?