Posted: 12/1/2006 2:27:02 PM EDT
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So I have somewhat of an issue on my hands right now. Background: I have a 1994 530i w/a 5 spd manual and 126,000 on the odometer. Also has idle issues and hates the cold weather (anything below 38F). Story: Last night while driving my car (got 20ft out of the parking lot) and heard an audible "thud". Today while listening to the idle, I heard towards the rear of the engine and near the firewall one thud and then a second and then it stopped. I heard it again after shutting the car off and restarting again. Once again two thuds towards the firewall and then it stopped. I also noticed a week or so ago when shifting to 2nd there was somewhat of a gasping like noise. Any idea what this could be? Clutch related? Thanks much. |
| Well arfcom I'll don my dunce cap. Turns out what I heard was some nasty pre detonation (never experienced it ebfore). I started the car up about an hour ago and it went to town. Eventually things smoothed out. On another note though, does anyone know of a good way to test for vacuum leaks? I've heard carb cleaner but I don't want to be spraying that all over. |
I believe that the reason for the carb cleaner is that you want to introduce something that will burn (improving the sound of the engine), while at the same time momentarily blocking the hole causing the vacuum leak (also improving the sound). If you put something that WON'T burn, the engine will stutter. I think you may get by with WD40 or some such. |
I've used the carb cleaner before in certain areas but I have heard it is nasty on rubber and some plastics. I read somewhere aobut using propane as if there were chance of fire, it would be short lived. |