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Engine Diagnostic

Author : bmwe34.net Posted on : 09/12/2004
Model : BMW, 5 - Series (E34) 1989-96 Category : Engine
Source : http://www.bmwe34.net
 
Engines gets more and more complicated, and diagnostic is less and less easy. I remember talking to a BMW dealership about a well known symptom and the answer was: "Oh... the senior mechanic isn't there, so bring the car we will hook it to the computer...". Thanks but no thanks.
Some simple tools can be used to diagnose a wide range of problems with the E34/E32 engines.


What test can I do and what tools do I need:
• Compression test:
Each cylinder must produce it's share of power. A lack of sealing in any cylinders will have an effect in the engine power and driveability.
Procedure:
1. Remove all the spark plugs, disconnect the DME main relay and fuel pump relay (engine with EML, remove the fuel pump relay). 535i, disconnect the ignition coil wire.
2. Install the compression gauge in the 1st cylinder, crank the engine a minimum of 4 revolutions and record the first and the highest readings. If the 1st reading is low and slowly increases to a normal reading, worn rings or cylinder walls are likely to be a problem.
Results: Minimum: 10-11 bar (142-159 Psi) - Maximum difference between cyl: 0.5bar (7Psi)

• Cylinder leak testing:
A leakage tester applies regulated compressed air (from a compressor) to a cylinder trough the spark plug hole. A gauge the percentage of air pressure lost from the cylinder.
Procedure:
See the website1 for FAQ, website2, website3 to build your own leakdown tester.
The location of the leak can be pinpointed by carefully listening for the air escaping. Leaking exhaust valve will be heard exiting the exhaust, the induction system for the intake valve.
Air bubble coming out of the coolant system could indicate a faulty headgasket or cracked head.
Worn piston rings, the air will be heard from the crankcase of the valve cover vent.
When performing the test, a small percentage of leakage by the cylinder rings is considered normal when the engine is off.

used a plain vacuum gauge with a small tee tapped into a vacuum line.
Princess auto has vacuum gauges for cheap.

• Vacuum gauge testing:
That is an interesting test that is often overlooked. The vacuum gauge is one of the easiest tool to use. Not to mention the cheap price... What else can you ask for?
Procedure:
1. Take your Bmw for a spin to warm up the engine. Turn the engine off and use a tee to tap a vacuum line. Connect the gauge to the tee.
2. Start the engine and take a close look of what the needle in the vacuum gauge will do.
3. The ideal reading would be a rock steady 17-22 in.Hg (inches of mercury) @ 1000Rpm.

Possible readings:
- Low steady vacuum reading (15-20in.Hg) at idle:
This could indicate a problem with an external vacuum leak, late ignition or valve timing, low compression or stuck throttle.
- Needle fluctuates from 15-20in.Hg rapidly at idle:
This could indicate a sticky valve or ignition miss. Fluctuation at higher engine speed might be caused by weak valve springs.
- Gauge needle drifts:
Small intake manifold leak or bad injector o'rings.
- Gauge needle stays steady then drop regularly to recover and repeat over and over.
Burnt valve(s) or improper valve adjustment. The needle will drop when the defective valve will operate.
- Gauge needle stays steady then drop to recover and repeat irregularly.
Sticking valve causes the needle to drop each time it hangs open. The reading will not drop at regular intervals like for a leaking valve.
- Gauge needle drops gradually at idle:
Chocked muffler or obstruction in the exhaust system. A restricted exhaust (like the cat.) will not allow the engine to exhale properly causing an increase of pressure inside the intake manifold. The result is a lower manifold vacuum.

Thanks to ... Me
 

Pictures

Picture 1
Picture 2

Click on the thumbnails to see larger images.

 

References

  • http://www.bmwe34.net
    •  


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