Cold Starting Problem and High Idle

[justino]

Just looking for some ideas on what could be causing cold start problems and a high idle speed on a 1991 300E

Over the past 2 weeks cold starting has become more difficult, the normal 1 turn of the engine is now 7-8, usually requiring a second crank to get it to catch. Once started you can turn off and it will start first time no problem.

The second problem is a high idle even when warm of about 1,000 - 1,200 rpm.

I am wondering whether they are linked, perhaps to the Idle Control Valve which is dead or needs cleaning out. I was also wondering if the OVP relay may give these symptons if it had gone.

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[matsmith]

I had similar problem on an old E30 BMW 320i, turned out it was the idle control valve. Give it a good clean with carb cleaner, it may help.

 

[justino]

That was my thought, was just curious to see if the high idle and poor starting could be linked to the failure of the same component, and if anyone had had similar experiences. Did you have both poor starting and high idle on your Beemer?

 

[Stevie A]

Hard starting and erratic idle can often be caused by the OVP relay being faulty so check or replace that as well as checking the idle valve. If ABS light has been coming on erraticly then it is most likely OVP.

 

[justino]

Seems to have cured its self after a 300 mile trip to Wales this weekend. It's probably a sticking Idle valve and the run has free'd it off after a couple of weeks of low useage. Guess the best idea is to use these old cars often to prevent problems.

 

[Blobcat]

Seems to have cured its self after a 300 mile trip to Wales this weekend. It's probably a sticking Idle valve and the run has free'd it off after a couple of weeks of low useage. Guess the best idea is to use these old cars often to prevent problems.

It's the clean Welsh air that does it.

 

[television]

The over voltage relays do go intermitant and can cause high idle in the fault condition. if the fault comes back, start the car and give it a thump.

Malcolm