DirtE30 - 1990 BMW 325i

[Senor_Taylor]

So, I replaced the fuel filter, both soft fuel lines to to fuel rail, and a couple vacuum hoses to the brake booster. The old lines were essentially hard plastic and would crack audibly when you bent them. I also replaced all of the hose clamps with injector clamps like the Bavarian gods intended.

The only issue now is I can't get the car to start at all. I cranked on it for probably 30-45 minutes before giving up and it won't even attempt to start. I loosened the hose going to the fuel pressure regulator and very high pressure gas sprayed out, so I know there is pressure at the rail. I was certain my no start issue was fuel related before.

My start has also always made a really loud clack clack clack noise when engaged but as I kept trying later and later into the night, it would also start to make a loud POP noise after a couple seconds on the key. It sounds mechanical, but Jake initially thought it was an after fire. I'm starting to think it could also be the solenoid not getting enough power and trying to connect and disconnect or something? My lights always flicker at night like my alternator is going out, but the voltage at the battery is good.

There are problems, but I don't know what's related. I'm WFH for a few more hours then I'll go down to the garage to try again, check the fuel management fuses, and try to poke around. I don't really want to spend the money on new relays for the start up process, but that may be what I have to do. I also don't think I mixed up any vacuum hoses or unplugged any sensors, but I always was out there for like 8 hours and was tired. I'll report back.

Edit: Also, does anyone know where to get that weird vacuum hose for the idle air valve? it's like 10 mm on one end and like 16 on the other.