Flywheel Position Sensors and Timing - BMW Forum

modifiede30 · 02-08-2004, 05:19 PM

I'm having what appear to be timing problems on an e28 transplant and I'm thinking it may have to do with the flywheel alignment in relation to timing, since the flywheel position sensors feed the ecu info. Can anyone confirm if a flywheel alignment problem can cause timing problems if improperly installed?

EXtech · 02-08-2004, 07:33 PM

what sort of problems are you speaking of?

modifiede30 · 02-08-2004, 07:52 PM

Horrible idle - to the point that it can't be driven. The engine doesn't appear to be burning any of the fuel that's being injected, or the injectors are staying open. Its hard to describe, but bad. At high rpm levels, it sounds fine, but has horrible loping. At lower rpms, its barely able to stay running, and often cuts off. Spits out too much black smoke, and almost immediately smells of unburnt fuel once started. In general, runs like the timing is horribly off - but from the looks of the timing marks on the front crank markers, its right on.

EXtech · 02-08-2004, 08:32 PM

all of your timing adjustments will be at the front of the engine with the belt. Sounds like you need to pull it apart and re-inspect everything. Your timing seems to be way off. Sounds like the cam is way too far retarded (before TDC). I would NOT attempt to drive it anymore. Also, are your valves adjusted correctly??? Explain the events of your transplant.. what was changed/removed/adjusted etc.

modifiede30 · 02-09-2004, 07:36 AM

The original engine was a super eta, 88. The transplanted engine was a standard eta from a 1983 5 series. The wiring harness is from the 83, along with the ecu, and idle control module. The fuel regulators, and other sensors were also from the 83. However, the flywheel was from the super eta - which is why I think something may be wrong.

As for timing, all reference marks are aligned in the front, but the reference marks on the front currently don't seem to have any relation to the position of the flywheel node that is used to send reference signals through the position sensor. The flywheel is the only component from the super eta that was used during the transplant.