Start up problems

[carob]

I have a problem with my 1984 350i. First start up of the day no problem first turn of the key. But after driving for a while and stopping say to fill up it is taking forever to start up again, almost to the point of flattening the battery. I have changed the leads leads for magnecor ones new NGK plugs Lucas cap and arm, but it is still the same Any ideas anyone?

[pwd95]

Mine does this

[chedder]

Could be that the starter motor is 'cooked' due to its proximity to the manifold.
When they get warm they give the impression that the battery is going flat and turn the engine over to slowly to start the engine.
Only way to resolve is swap it for another and wrap it with some heat wrap

[carob]

I was told this could be the case, maybe i should get it on the diagnostics when it is warm see if that brings anything to lihgt.

[D1 MAD]

Could be running rich, check the colour of your spark plugs after a run.
Is your air filter nice and clean?

[dickymint]

Possibly the ignition amplifier (black box on the distributor). These start to show problems first when hot. Or the coil (try the bag of frozen peas trick).

[carob]

Bag of frozen peas trick????

[chedder]

carob said:

Bag of frozen peas trick????

1)Purchase a large bag of frozen peas from tesco.
2)Pop the bonnet up.
3)Get comfy in the car.
4)Wind the drivers window down
5)Open the bag of peas
6)Place a frozen pea in the palm of your left hand.
7)Every time time a Silver BMW drives past, flick the frozen pea with the middle finger of your right hand in the direction of the BMW!

When the bag is empty, the amplifier will have cooled down enough to let the engine re-start

Alternatively, place the said frozen bag of peas around the amplifier for a few mins to cool it down (wont be much difference in time though!)

[carob]

Tee-hee.