Cold Start shakes, misfires & exhaust sputter. Not just another thread... - Page 2

Danger · #11 01-15-2011, 01:43 PM

Given you live in a warmer climate, I'd probably rule any oil separator issues out. Have you tried switching the coils to see if the misfire follows with it? Another thing you may want to do before changing anything is get your battery tested. How long have you had the problem?

Sponsored Links

Stormtrooper · #12 01-15-2011, 01:45 PM

Haven't tryed switching coils yet but will do that now. Will also test battery. Problems has been there for a couple of months only but it really obnoxious and I"m concerned that running it with the issue may cause damage to something else.

Stormtrooper · #13 01-15-2011, 01:53 PM

I'm having a hunch that it may be related to the injector issue previously raised because the symptoms seam to be much worse if I dont use the car for a day or two. So maybe it is leaking and if I dont use it there is much more fuel to burn off?

; ( Anywone know how to check the injectors?

Danger · #14 01-15-2011, 02:01 PM

May want to try a search on checking the injectors. I know that one way is to open the manifold cover and listen for a buzz sound using a long screwdriver like a stetoscope. But if you think it is fuel delivery driven, it could also be the fuel pump.

BTW, have you tried putting any fuel injector cleaners? BG44k works wonders and may be a cheap way to rule things out before major repair. Just my 2 cents...

Stormtrooper · #15 01-15-2011, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danger

May want to try a search on checking the injectors. I know that one way is to open the manifold cover and listen for a buzz sound using a long screwdriver like a stetoscope. But if you think it is fuel delivery driven, it could also be the fuel pump.

BTW, have you tried putting any fuel injector cleaners? BG44k works wonders and may be a cheap way to rule things out before major repair. Just my 2 cents...

Going to try that too! Thanks.

Stormtrooper · #16 04-21-2011, 09:41 PM

Not sure what it will help at this point but I'm going to offer the unattractive update of my X-5's issues.

Shaking, difficulties starting/ turning over, continued and soon after my last post the engine began consuming coolant (with no signs of leaking) and smoke began comming out of my drivers side pipe. REALLY BAD SIGNS!!!

So I took it in to the dealer, dealer said they saw evidence of overheating including brown on the inside of the radiator cap, and observed evidence of "water" in the oil from looking into the oil filler cap. Conclusion: They said I have a bad block but the only way to be sure was to charge me a bunch of money, torqe down the head bolts to see if any are or will strip at spec torque.

So I took it to a non-dealer BMW specialist who did the same for much less, said one bolt was striped, also pulled plugs and found water in one of the cylnders (#6) on the drivers side bank and suggested to pull the heads, have them milled and hope the block isn''t warped. The dealer also suggested the same but wanted to charge me $11k to replace the heads or $25k to replace the block.

So I said since only one side is smoking and water only found on dirvers side bank, pull that head, have it milled, get a head gasket that will make up any difference in compression compared to the other bank and I would cross my fingers. Job completed about two weeks ago, first week everything seam ok, on or about day 7 +/- "Check Engine" comes on and rumbling begins again. A few days more and smoke again comming out of the drivers side bank, and a few days more smoke out of both banks.

So now I'm looking for a used engine, and or considering parting out or selling my ride as is. Any comments, thoughts, suggestions other than: "Get the guns out of your house and or Sorry dude!" ?

Danger · #17 04-22-2011, 11:10 AM

Hey Storm,

Sorry to hear about your latest. Mine ended up almost being the same thing! Essentially, after changing the plugs and other replacements the car was running great. Then, after an oil change about 2 months ago, the car started misfiring again with creamy goo in the oil cap & dipstick and mysterious coolant loss. I tried everything again, cleared coeds and then run with it for a bit, but the same codes came back with misfires w/fuel cut-off consistently on 2 specific cylinders. I didn;t get much smoke at all but a ticking nose developed, along with loss of power and a few stalls. I unfortunately really depend on the vehicle so continued (somewhat apprehensive) my daily 100 mile commute. Finally gave up and took it to an indy who diagnosed a busted head gasket, with tremendous loss of compression on the cylinders in question. Short end of the story is that it was also a cracked head. The repair didn't take, so we're putting a new (used) head which should do the trick. I'm looking at $4k bill.

Danger · #18 04-22-2011, 11:13 AM

BTW I did consider a new engine ($7k) or getting rid of it. Bit given current finances and the fact the car's paid for, I opted to do the fix and hope to get a few more years out of it. Aside from that issue, the rest of the car was in very good shape. Not sure what the rest of your ride is like, but getting rid of the car given the type of repair won't get much back even as a trade in.

Sponsored Links