Another weird issue with X5 - Page 3

upallnight · #21 08-01-2013, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

spent 4 years in a college learning that technical term!!!

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm? Did you go to the University of Illinois? There was a person known as the "Enema" bandit running around the campus. He became so famous that Frank Zappa even wrote a song about him.

FRANK ZAPPA - THE ILLINOIS ENEMA BANDIT LYRICS

:

Sponsored Links

tmv · #22 08-01-2013, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

spent 4 years in a college learning that technical term!!!

At least you learnt something in college

Kristophe · #23 08-03-2013, 09:24 PM

"i never heard of anyone in the US ever siphoning fuel but i saw the tool in my local wal-mart, so, it is being done"

It's nicknamed the "Oklahoma credit card". lol

PEV, your symptoms certainly mimic mine when my fuel pump started to go out at 140K miles. It would run fine for bit then stall and die but only start back up after it sat for a while but then got to where it would only idle. No back fire ever occurred though. That would seem to indicate weak or no spark allowing unburned fuel mix into a hot exhaust system. I'd certainly be checking out your fuel pump.

diddy0071 · #24 08-05-2013, 11:24 AM

Did this ever get fixed? Mine turned out to be a faulty fuel pump, I hope you got it running.

PEV · #25 08-05-2013, 05:40 PM

Thank you, guys. I got a fuel pressure gauge, but didn't pay attention - was in 10 PSI increments !?!? - I just assume that the normal pressure would be under 10 PSI and it is difficult to read when the scale is 0-100 psi. It looks to be moving a bit, but one interesting thing I noticed,- when I press release knob, there is no fuel, but just air being released. Tried it several times,- same results... As if fuel doesn't even get to the engine. One mechanic mentioned to me that you can check pressure somewhere closer to the fuel tank... Is that true? Just to eliminate clogged fuel line. After all fuel pump is $300 and it will take time to get it and install. Wanted to make sure that this is the cause of my issue. Once again - thank you guys for your advise and help!!!

PEV · #26 08-05-2013, 05:42 PM

To diddy007: no, I didn't get it fixed, but when I do (I hope I will

), - will definitely follow up and will let everyone know what was it...

diddy0071 · #27 08-05-2013, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PEV

Thank you, guys. I got a fuel pressure gauge, but didn't pay attention - was in 10 PSI increments !?!? - I just assume that the normal pressure would be under 10 PSI and it is difficult to read when the scale is 0-100 psi. It looks to be moving a bit, but one interesting thing I noticed,- when I press release knob, there is no fuel, but just air being released. Tried it several times,- same results... As if fuel doesn't even get to the engine. One mechanic mentioned to me that you can check pressure somewhere closer to the fuel tank... Is that true? Just to eliminate clogged fuel line. After all fuel pump is $300 and it will take time to get it and install. Wanted to make sure that this is the cause of my issue. Once again - thank you guys for your advise and help!!!

Like upallnight mentioned, look at the thread where I had my issue. Basically what you are looking for is for any pressure in the line. If you turn the key, the pressure I believe should be in the ~35psi range, and running around ~50psi range. If it is fluctuating alot, that is a big sign that something is wrong. The release knob (I hope you mean shcraeder valve) should be spewing liquid when pressed if not, then there is air in the line at some point. And a fuel pump on Ebay can go for $100 new, so $300 isn't a price you would need to pay. The fuel pump is easily accessible from the back seat. All you need is some pliers, a good flathead screwdriver with hammer, and a new hose clamp. Literally a 15 minute job if you know what you are doing.

Look closely to the thread http://www.xoutpost.com/946480-post150.html here. I posted a video of the pressure reading. Mine was a complete Zero, hence a dead fuel pump. When I replaced the pump, it started and ran like a champ. The DISA valve was broken in mine too, so that could cause issues, but I think you need to really take a look at the pressure reading (I don't understand how you did a pressure reading and didn't pay attention to the numbers) and determine if you are getting good pressure. I have since replaced the fuel filter and fuel rail on my vehicle since I broke the schraeder valve (be easy on it) and it was running fine. Can't say that now, but that is another issue altogether.

PEV · #28 08-05-2013, 08:41 PM

OK, now I know better. There was another post where it said pressure should be 3.5 PSI (probably was a typo and I took it for granted). Mine was under 10 PSI for sure. Would very between 4-6 and 10, but never more than that. So, if normal one is 35/50 - that is not the case with me. And thanks for the tip on pricing - I am using one of the on-line shops and they sell it for $280+. You are right, on Ebay I can get one for a bit over 100. Will try that next.

PEV · #29 08-06-2013, 11:22 PM

Removed fuel pump today to discover that the tank is nearly empty (quarter of an inch on the bottom) with the float (or whatever it is called) on the pump is totally dry. But the fuel meter on the cluster shows 1/4 of the tank and the light is off... So, - is it possible that the pump is OK? What would be the best way to test it? I guess, I can apply 12V to it and put it into the jar with water (can I do so?) or gas and see if it pumps.
Another question - for the future - how do I install it back. I tried that so that I don't leave the tank opened and can't push it back. The rubber sealing around the top doesn't seem to allow it back. Any suggestions? Do I just force it or use any tools?
And back to my issue - it is possible that I just ran out of gas, but:
1. Why does it still show fuel in the tank?
2. If the tank is empty and I start the car - should I see normal (35-50 psi) pressure at the engine? Or pump wouldn't run at all?
Thanks!

upallnight · #30 08-07-2013, 07:58 AM

You have a busted transfer pump. The transfer pump use siphoning action to move gasoline from the left side of the tank to the right side of the tank. Siphoning is when the fuel pump is running, but with a bad transfer pump the siphon doesn't occur. Put the pump back in and dump a gallon or two of gas into the right side. If the engine start afterward, the fuel pump is o.k. You can fix the transfer pump (Better be sitting down when they tell you how much that stupid transfer pump is gonna cost) or just remember to fill up the tank when the gauge reads half full. The float for the fuel gauge is on the left side, that is why the gauge read half full since the left side is half empty.

Edit:

The fuel rail pressure should be 3.5 Bars not PSI. If you have less than 10 PSI the engine is not going to start.

http://http://parts.bmwofsouthatlant...ssembly=259479

Sponsored Links