E30.... M10, not starting

[e30m10]

Hey guys, i havent really gotten any help in the e30 groups so i figured i'd try my way over here.

i Have a 5 speed 1985 318i. All stock except for an aftermarket exhaust system... i recently bought it running, replaced some gaskets, headers, head, valve cover, and intake. the car will start but after a couple minutes will die, then wont start until its cold... we replaced the distributor gasket a couple days later and now the car doesn't want to start, it'll crank but wont start. Anybody have any ideas!? please help me, im 15 years old working on my project car i bought with my own money.

[Rav320uk]

Try this site.

www.e30zone.net

[PeteK]

Start with the basic checklist (fuel, spark, compression) and narrow down from there.

There's some good info in the FAQ section.

[Jeroen]

Agree, check if the basics are all there, and do a thorough check on all the work performed. Does it give a normal response to the gas pedal? No disconnected plugs like from the AFM, temp sender, no mix ups, no vacuum hoses swapped? When running, close off the intake to the air filter housing with your hand to check for a possible massive vacuum leak.