New project - 1989 BMWis

Posted by trimbk@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 13 comments

Automatic. 70k miles. Been sitting for 11 years. Turns over, but won’t start. Low compression in cylinders 5 and 6. Aside from a little rust under the battery tray, it’s surprisingly clean. Lots to do!

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quattro725121@reddit

Awesome project. That paint will really shine up with a good DA polish too.

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trimbk@reddit (OP)

It will be a 20-footer with the perished clearcoat and nut tree dents. But I’ll get it looking nice over time.

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rudbri93@reddit

these are great project cars, the cleanup looks great. before you crank it any more pull the valve cover and make sure the timing belt didnt break.

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trimbk@reddit (OP)

I agree. I’ve pressed my luck enough. Parts are on the way. Timing belt, tensioner, water pump, distributor, rotor, radiator hoses…and more!

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porcelainvacation@reddit

Don’t forget the guibo

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trimbk@reddit (OP)

For sure. I need to work it front to rear. Brakes, shocks, bushings...the list is long and will have to be prioritized.

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gyrospita@reddit

If it sat that long, replace the timing belt and water pump IMMEDIATELY. It's an interference engine and if the belt snaps, it's headwork time. And about the low compression: Take off the valve cover and see if the rocker arms for cyl 5 and 6 are snapped. Then maybe try to decarbonize the engine fixing the stuck piston rings. Then fluids and ditch the slushbox.

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trimbk@reddit (OP)

Yep. Parts have arrived and the timing belt is this weekend’s project. Plus a valve cover gasket and set valve clearances. Then fuel tank and pump. New fluids and see if it will run. I’ll recheck compression after a good heat cycle. Fingers crossed!

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B_Roland@reddit

Pour some ATF (or your preferred fluid) down the cilinder and let it sit for a while. When you're ready to turn the engine over with the started, keep the sparkplugs out and let the ATF spit out (it will be all over the place if you don't catch it).

Then start the car and let it go through a heat cycle (and let the ATF burn off). Those piston rings on cilinder 5 and 6 may come back to life and solve your compression issue.

Great project! I'm super jealous but wish you all the best. That paint looks like it's going to look stunning after a proper polish.

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trimbk@reddit (OP)

Thanks. I'm definitely not too stressed about the engine. There is a lot to do before I consider cracking it open. It was sitting out in the open, and I'm shocked at how well it aged. Especially the lack of rust or rodent damage (so far).
Unfortunately, it was under a nut-bearing tree, so the horizontal surfaces are pretty pocked. I'll see how well they pull out later - that's a future project.

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