Hey guys. I'm up in Omaha, NE. I purchased an 8 a few weeks ago from a guy in KS that needed a new clutch. I've replaced that, but now I can't get the car to start. When I bought it, it was in limp mode (I believe due to a clogged up cat). I started it, backed it into the garage, and let it sit for a day. Then I got an ODB2 reader to write down the codes. There was some performance monitor on it too, so I started my car up. I obviously couldn't rev it up since it was in limp mode, so I had to shut it down cold. I've been trying to get it to unflood and turn over, but I'm a little worried now that I'm starting to smell something unfamiliar. I'm pretty sure I can identify coolant and oil since I've leaked / burnt enough of that in my lifetime :D. Anyone in the area that can lend a hand?

 

So, I found the source of the smell. It was the battery charger. It couldn't handle being on 'Engine Start' mode for more than a minute. The smell went away and I tried to start it again, this time only cranking it for 4 seconds at a time, and the smell came back. When the smell came back, I got pissed again and went to move the charger and take a look. Definitely it.

With my last attempt, my car hit 2k RPM and then died. I'll get it in the next go. Can't wait to drive it.

Still, I'd be interested in meeting the rest of the 8 owners in the area.

 

hey man u still in help

 

Ah too bad I didn't see this back in Dec. I would have loved to come out and get my hands on an 8 again

 

No, I'm all good now :D I replaced the coils, plugs, and wires and it's all good to go now.

I am a bit worried that I have low compression though. Hard starting when it's been run for a while, but the hard start seems to be intermittent. I seem to be able to always get it to turn over immediately if I tap the gas. Maybe a bad fuel pump?

 

^How many miles? Could be low compression from wear...or a sticky seal. If you're confident it's not a tired fuel pump or sensor issue, you could try a little water ingestion and see if you get improvement. Won't cost anything but a half-gallon or so of distilled water.