Zed Shed

[dva99999]

Wanting a little info.
Is there a z3 workshop/community in or around the Wirral area (can travel a little further) as there are various items I’d like to learn how to do on my car.
There is a problem with cold start and no matter how much money and parts I throw at it I ended up taking it to a local mechanic who just said “It’s an old car....as long as it passes it’s mot I wouldn’t worry about it” and “...if it’s the timing chain you’re better off scrapping it as for the cost you’re better off getting another car” (I don’t think it’s the timing chain).

What I’d rather do is have a look myself.
I have CCV kit from Febi Bilstein, a water pump and will be ordering coolant hoses and a thermostat.

Unfortunately the car club I’m a member of only gives me 3 hours of workshop/ramp time and no help so somewhere local(ish) with knowledgeable people would be a real help.

Thanks

 

[t-tony]

Firstly what symptoms do you have to make them suspect the timing chain?

Tony.

 

[dva99999]

They plugged a diagnostic tool in and had to google the numbers within the codes, however the symptoms I’m getting are as follows
On cold start the engine hunts but doesn’t stall. Once warmed up it’s fine.
If I stop for any reason and start the car, sometimes but not always, it cranks over about 5/6 times before firing up. However there is a slight loss of power, wouldn’t be noticeable to anyone who’s never driven it.
If this problem happens I normally stop the car, restart it and it’s fine.
I’ve changed the cam sensors, upgraded the vanos seals, changed the spark plugs, fitted new drive belt, changed oil and filters, and reset the codes.
I’ve put all the codes elsewhere on here and on the various Facebook posts but I’ve not had any answers.
I am getting frustrated as my last resort was a mechanic who I’d trusted for nearly 20 years who basically told me to bin it. Not really what I wanted to hear from someone who only does MOT’s now “as that’s where the money is”.
Cheers

 

[Lee]

If you were closer I would offer but I'm Just outside Reading.

Water pump and thermostat you can tackle together. You will need the tool to remove the vicous fan, look on ebay.

The CCV pipework is very fiddly but can be done without removing the manifold. Remove all the intake including throttle body. Happy to give step by step and tools needed if you fancy having a go.

 

[dva99999]

Thanks Lee,
I’ve got the tool to remove the fan as I needed it when doing the belt, I’ve been wanting to do the CCV having looked at the videos on YouTube but there are a few. The only one I’ve seen that looks ok is for the E46 which to me looks very different in relation to where everything is.
If you have a step by step guide that would be fantastic. At home I’m allowing myself 4 days without the car (not a lot of space in my garage) which should give me ample time.

 

[Lee]

I don't have a step by step guide but happy to give some notes over PM.

Edit: Maybe I do

 

[t-tony]

Have you also thoroughly checked all the rubber components on the inlet side for splits and. cracks. Has it ever had the fuel filter changed?

Tony.