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Re: E21 323i - cold start problems

>I have a 1980 323i which is in perfect condition.  During this winter 
>time, however, it has a lot of trouble starting the engine.
>
>In the early morning, it usually takes me two or three times to start 
>the car. (Sometimes it even takes 5 or 7 times in really cold 
>weather.)  Once the engine is running, the engine usually cut off at 
>the first traffic light /intersection as I stop and go.(the car just 
>stall)  Perhaps there is lack of power at low rev when the engine 
>hasn't been warmed up.
>
>But it starts and run perfectly once it reachs the operating 
>temperature.  And this usually doesn't happen in summer.
>
>The car have already checked by BM specialist and they claimed that 
>there is nothing wrong with the injection system. (ie cold starts 
>value, additional air slide etc.)  He recommended that decarbonising 
>each cylinder head and clean the injectors will cure the problems.
>As the car getting older, carbon build up in the cylinder.  
>
>Thank you,
>
>LEON.

I had the same problem with my '79 323i. If the temperature
went below 20F it was nearly impossible to start. I chased
the problem for over a year. It finaly died close to home
and a neighbor towed it home. I had to work quickly because
it was getting warmer.

There was no spark. After checking the ignition brain I found
that is was not grounded. The brain is on the left front
fender well. The ground wire runs down the fender well,
across the engine mount, up the side of the engine and
connects to a push-on connector on the thermostat housing.
The connector was loose and must have gotten looser in the
cold weather.

I replaced the connector with a ring terminal and to was fixed!

Michael Thompson     E-Mail     [email protected]
Schroff, Inc.        Phone      401-732-3770
Warwick, RI 02886    FAX        401-739-7599
                     WWW Page   http://www.schroffus.com