An Addition?

[John042]

This Wedge "Thing" is getting silly. I was only looking honest but it said Fix Me. It has laid dormant for 12 years+ Initially same problems as I experienced with my 2.8i (Wesley) Fuel pump seized and no doubt the fuel tank's, pipes etc full of orribly black stuff. It's a 1988 350i. It turns over freely, doesn't fire up and the clutch is seized. Interior quite good, drivers seat recline mechanism replaced with a welded bracket. After a period of inactivity no doubt other surprises are in store. However the condition, I think, considering its storage looks amazing. Is the 350i engine similar to the 4Ltr in Chimeara?

[John042]

Thanks Adam/Gavin. Seems a bit savage for the clutch? Wouldn't the clutch friction linnings part company with the plate and end up on the flywheel? If necessary can the clutch be changed without removing the engine? More question to follow I'm afraid. Getting the engine running is a priority to find out what state it's in and function of the gearbox. Happy days. Might be a good time for selling the 2.8?

[John042]

Hi Mark, yep new motor. Want to buy a 2.8i? Yes brakes will no doubt need attention, surprised they weren't seized on! After Wesley's experience of dismantling calipers especially the rear ones, if required I'll go for reconditioned ones. I'll post up some internal pics the weekend. It could do with a good clean, the veneer on the dash etc is cracked but present. Carpets tatty, drivers seat mod'd with a welded bracket replacing the recline mechanism. The rear hood will need replacing as the targa top covering. Just want to get it running first. Cheers John C. Sorry Mark yes it was the one on F S Devon.

[John042]

Thanks Adam. From what of read from the "Bible" the 2.8i clutch can be changed in situ with a bit of juggling but the 3.5 requires either engine out or pulled forward? Either way a bit more work. Hopefully now I've got a new fuel pump I can get the engine running this weekend and free the clutch off. Happy Days. Cheers J C.

[John042]

I want some also Adam whatever Ziga on. Points noted Mark all in hand. New pump, filters an extra one between the tanks and pump. A little concerned on winding the engine over on the starter as no oil pressure indicated. Pump priming? As with my 2.8i I intend to remove the swirl pot, cut it open and clean. Obviously all fuel pipes will be replaced. That will keep out the pub! J C.

[John042]

Thanks. First time I've seen a remote filter set up. Up side down? I guess the oil drains down into the sump when stationary. I've wound the engine over a few times but no oil pressure indication or the light extinguishing. Priming as suggested is a good idea. Thanks. John C

[John042]

Agreed Adam. The previou owner did say that he managed to fire up the engine by introducting fuel into the intake??? Which did give a oil pressure indication. How long ago is anyones guess. Incidentally the oil looks quite fresh. Certainly I will carryout priming the filter housing and the filter, before attemting to start the beast. J C.

[John042]

Thanks Ian. Your 350i looks a similar colour? It would be good to get the engine running hopefully this weekend to sort the clutch and find out the state of the transmission etc. My plan then is to move the vehicle into my small workshop and begin the refurb' suspension bushes, brakes etc. As you, I'd loved to have kept all my past vehicles TR's, MG's etc. I guess "Wesley" my 2.8i is going to have go. Sad as it's really behaving its self. J C.

[John042]

Good thoughts Adam. Bit easier on the starter as well. J C.

[John042]

Well a full day replacing fuel pump and filter and fitting an inline filter between tanks and pump. Oil pressure established by the method of filling the system from the filter housing. Ignition fuse found blown but no life unless a little fuel introduced via the intake. At least there's life in igniton system? I'm not convinced that the pump is running whilst cranking. Plugs are dry. So tomorrow will put a direct supply onto the pump. Which does run. Is there a relay for the pump supply like the 2.8i? J C.

[John042]

My thoughts Mark. I was considering checking for fuel pressure at the fuel rail on the engine but yes after the time lapse it's quite possible the injectors are gummed up and other problems. Old petrol doesn't half stink!

[John042]

Absolutely, on the 2.8i I cut the swirl pot in half, cleaned out the crap and welded it back together. I was fortunate in that no muck had reached the metering head. Can the injectors be cleaned? Or is it a replacement item? The bible wiring diagrams are not a lot of help in tracing the fuel pump circuit. There doesn't seem to be a relay in the system.

[John042]

Thanks Mark. The flapper?? Is that in the unit up stream from the air cleaner? I have got a spark when cranking but plugs are dry and no smell of fuel.

[John042]

Cheers Mark, it was a little premature to think after 12years of inactivity it would fire up with just a new fuel pump and filter etc. Will have a look at the items you suggested. Thanks.

[John042]

The beast lives It's been named Travis.Wiring to pump knackered through a redundant immobilzer system. Fires up but number 4 isn't doing a lot. Ignition is producing a spark and new plug didn't make any difference. Injector maybe? Or valve stuck. Compression check should identify the problem. Oil leak from corroded oil pump pipe elbow. Are these pipes available? Headlights on but refusing to raise. Not bad after 12 years rest. Oil pressure is 25psi at 800rpm. Good days work. Yes Mark clutch freed off without to much hassle. J C.