Firstfives.org

I fixed several more things that should be affecting emissions. Since I had to pull the valve cover anyway, I checked all the valves and found many to be very tight. I adjusted all to be a loose 0.012". New valve cover gasket made no difference. I still had a big leak in the same area - might b...

I spent a lot of time going over things, but really didn't find anything obvious. I replaced the O2 sensor, put in new plugs, inspected the exhaust forward of the resonator for leaks, put in new exhaust gaskets, verified reasonable T response for the FI temperature sensor, performed ignition timing,...

I wouldn't go Python or Fuel Injection Corp for AFMs. I've talked with some shop owners who have had lots of issues with those. Mostly the way they're calibrated, though there have been some failures. As Mike said, they're rebuilt Bosch units. Hey. There you are. I didn't realize you also had an E1...

You also might want to take a good look at what you've got. The 76 didn't
come with an O2 sensor, so the car has major modifications if you actually
have one.

What's the idle speed situation from start to the dying problem?

Anyone have any experience or authenticity comments on Python? http://www.python-injection.com/index.php I've never heard of them, but ran across it when just happening to try an Amazon search on E12 parts. Amazon lists a part claimed to be a direct fit replacement for the E12 AFM: "Python Inje...

Mike, Thanks. Yeah, I had been thinking that I might actually pass the emission test open loop as a 530i and the O2 sensor might just be overly enriching the mixture. They are loose limits. I'm dropping the exhaust today to start the troubleshooting. I'll locate or buy a new FI temp sensor. Thanks f...

I think you're on the right track with both the sensor and the leak. What kind of standards are you having to pass? And don't forget just retarding the timing can clean things up even if it does turn it into a dog to drive. Mike, I think I'm being held to 1977 non-catalyst standards. Despite all th...

Sensor is probably about 8 or 9 years old. I've got a new one. I'm planning to replace the sensor, all the plugs, and hopefully also find the exhaust leak.

I just relocated from Austin to Albuquerque. In TX, cars older than 24 are emissions exempt. Now, I'm in the only county in NM that tests emissions and no E12s are exempt - (exempt is 1974 and older). I'm failing HC 5X over the limit at idle, but near passing at ~2500 RPM. I've got a modified 77 530...

Like Mike W. said, bleeding the clutch has always been a little weird on the 530i. I use a trick involving fluid insertion from the bottom, which makes it harder to trap air, although it takes a little more work to fill. I use a hand pump from the bottom. It's just a typical metal can hand pump with...

I've been happy with the Prestone long-life formula (orange). We switched to it after rebuilding the engine 8 years ago. Unlike the the old silicate and phosphate additives in the green formulas, every part I've expected so far has been free of scale.

You might also check the aux fan relay. In a few situations in which
I expected the aux fan to be on, I pulled the relay out of its socket and
stuck it back in - fan starts. There's also a 25A fuse.

I ended up purchasing an Exide Select Orbital about a month ago. The smaller of the two sizes is a pretty good fit for the E12, although the battery positive cable has to take a bit more direct route from the starter than the previous battery. I think the case of the Exide is more rugged than the Op...

There are two types of fan clutch. You must have the old style? The new style comes off with a giant 32 mm wrench - threads are left-handed. As I remember, the old-style is held on with several small bolts to the fan pulley. I converted to the new style about 6 or 7 years ago. Check the archives on ...

Did you fix the leaking oil part of the problem? Are you burning oil? Some of your remaining symptoms, like running very rough and having no power, are consistent with having a massive vacuum leak. Does pulling the dipstick out a few inches change the idle when running? It should because it creates ...