Fuel pressure @ distributor

[Vic]

Hi Guys!

Looking for some guidance/ technical advice to finally start up my 323i, which has undergone a 3yr restoration. Though have loved every minute bringing it back to former glory, the engine is stressing me out so much; cannot seem to get it started/ running.

Every bit is connected ie wiring, fuel lines, coolant hoses etc, and fuel is rushing into the distributor however the distributer isn't sending the fuel into injector lines, seems like it hasn't got required pressure in the system to open the valves and send fuel to the injectors.

The bodyshop I had given the car to be painted didn't connect the fuel neck and pipe back to the fuel tank and so now the filling hole in the tank is totally open, I'm wondering if maybe it could this that is causing a problem for the pressure to be low at the distributor, I've read that 3.3Ibs is needed to open valves and transfer fuel to the injectors. Does the Bosch K-Jetronic system work on pressure from the rear tanks as well? The pump is working as needed, and the car turns but doesn't start due to the fuel not arriving to the injectors. There's is pressure in the combustion area, sparks at the plugs and the tdc timing has been met as well. The distributor plunger works with the air mass sensor baffle plates, when lifted by hand.

Would be so grateful if someone could confirm or rubbish my suspicions lol.

Again I really appreciate any advice given.

Vic
'82 S Edition 323i

[Jeroen]

The car just has one fuel pump. You may want to measure fuel pressure t the supply side of the distributor. Even though the plunger seems to work, it may very well be that the distributor itself, the warm up regulator or the fuel injectors are fully clogged up. Better check first where you have what fuel pressure.

[Vic]

Good plan Jereon, I'm ordering a pressure gauge so can measure the quantity @ the distributor. Also planning on cleaning the warm up reg, fuel distributor and the lines with carb cleaner today. Would an open fuel tank cause a problem for the fuel pressure @ the distributor Jeroen? As mentioned the bodyshop didn't connect the fuel neck pipe, so it's an open point.

Thanks for your quick reply

[Jeroen]

that open fuel tank should not have any influence imo, as long as there's fuel in there