Runs Awesome! But won't start first try

[sethhatfield]

Okay I read that the oil level sensor can keep it from starting so I unplugged it and it has started a few times without incident. I often get a "check engine oil level" message while driving and replacing the sensor was no help.

We'll see what happens while I wait for parts.

It's funny, I troubleshoot 787's at work and this is what I have to jack with when I get home.

[sethhatfield]

Okay I read that the oil level sensor can keep it from starting so I unplugged it and it has started a few times without incident. I often get a "check engine oil level" message while driving and replacing the sensor was no help.

We'll see what happens while I wait for parts.

It's funny, I troubleshoot 787's at work and this is what I have to jack with when I get home.

[alecu]

Now we know why they're all grounded )))))) Just kidding!!!!!!!!!!!

[sethhatfield]

Yeah no kidding lol.

Oil level sensor a no fix

[alecu]

Check your injectors also if you haven't already done so. Worth a try since you did so much work already.

[sethhatfield]

I replaced the cam sensors and so far it starts up.

One of the other problems I've had is the blinking SES light when I'm flooring it. The scanner says that #8 is misfiring and bank 1 and 2 are lean. It seems sluggish also.

I swapped coils and it didn't follow the coil so it must be good. Gonna remove the plug after it cools off and look at it.

I doubt this is related to the no start issue,

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by sethhatfield

I replaced the cam sensors and so far it starts up.

One of the other problems I've had is the blinking SES light when I'm flooring it. The scanner says that #8 is misfiring and bank 1 and 2 are lean. It seems sluggish also.

I swapped coils and it didn't follow the coil so it must be good. Gonna remove the plug after it cools off and look at it.

I doubt this is related to the no start issue,

au contraire

lean banks could be from a vacuum leak or a fuel pressure issue. I see that you still haven't tested the pressure at the fuel rail.

Why do I waste my time giving advice to people on this forum?

[sethhatfield]

I've tested the fuel pressure already and it was normal. I have another fuel pressure kit coming so I can monitor it while I'm driving.

It has been 15 starts since the cam sensors and no starting problems so far. I'll try not to get my hopes up.

New development tonight! I got a SES light for a P0430. That's catalyst bank 2. Which happens to be the same side as the cylinder #8 misfire. That could be the cause of the sluggishness. The motor has 130K so it could be a bad converter.

You aren't wasting your time me advice. You get the same satisfaction helping to diagnose mechanical problems as I get working on commercial airliners. When something is fixed, its fixed. Nothing else in life is that easy.

In fairness, I did replace the timing chain guides and rebuilt the VANOS units myself so I'm not totally BMW retarded. Just a little slow.

__________________________________
2000 X5 4.4
2001 M5
1987 Buick Grand National

[sethhatfield]

Well the no start problem was the cam sensors. It hasn't ever gone this long without fail.

The sluggishness is likely the fact that there is no vacuum to the fuel pressure regulator. Does anyone know where the correct source is so I can run a new line?

[sethhatfield]

Alright I just read that the fuel pressure regulator is NOT affected by that vacuum line. It is only on the regulator to prevent a busted regulator from dripping on the ground.