cdfeto 0 Report post Posted October 21, 2013 Car: 1983 323 Problem: engine cuts out very intermittently and randomly can drive fine for a day and then really badly the next it cuts out for prolonged periods (2-3 seconds) but mostly it is an on/off stutter it seems to be much worse in the heat The car is currently at the local mechanics as the problem was starting to do my head in. We originally found a cracked vacuum hose which seemed to fix the problem but it came back the next day. The mechanic is now certain it is the ignition system (primary circuit). He thought he'd fixed the issue by moving the sensor located on the front pulley as it was contacting it, but again the issue came back the next day. The mechanic was going to get his electrician over to look at the wiring but I just wanted to see if you guys had any ideas that could shorten the troubleshooting time down a bit. By the way ... plugs, leads, distributor and coil have either been replaced or thoroughly tested. cheers! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Etwenty1 45 Report post Posted October 21, 2013 To shorten the trouble shooting time I would change "local mechanic" for one that "knows bmw's" otherwise you will end up paying for his leaning curve. You may pay a higher rate per hour but they will diagnose in half the time. Your location would also help. Sounds like your mechanic is just guessing - was that crank position sensor tested or replaced? sounds like it was just re-fitted? if that has been damaged/worn by contact it could be causing an intermittent fault. It also needs to be installed with the correct gap between it and the pulley. IMO also avoid auto electricians unless an experienced mechanic refers you to one, otherwise they will just suggest you start replacing electrical/electronic components without locating the fault. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
