I had my oil and spark plugs changed recently and the mechanic noted on the work order that I had water in my old oil. The car wasn't overheating and didn't have any loss of power though. Could this be something besides the head gasket?
Could this also have been the cause of the car stalling (like when you stall a manual, but it's an automatic) when at a traffic light? Our last car blew a head gasket, so I know what the loss of power feels like, and this is something completely different. It would start and run fine, but I'd get 3 blocks from home and it would die at a light, very similar to when a manual stalls but this is an automatic, but then was a B*tch to get restarted. It didn't die when I 'test drove' it around after the plugs were changed, but it was still sputtery at full stops. Could this be in the wires and/or distributor cap?
I'm just looking for an idea so I know if the mechanics are feeding me a line when I take it to have it fixed.
2006-12-02 00:30:41 · 9 answers · asked by desiderio 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
While I would LOVE to tie it to a tree and run away from it, I unfortunately cannot. It's my only mode of transportation, we've only had it for 6 months, and if I tried to sell it, I wouldn't get half of what we owe on the loan, much less enough for a different car. The loss from getting rid of it would be more than the cost of the repair.
2006-12-02 01:11:22 · update #1
The car is a 93 BMW 730i, German specs. We're stationed overseas.
We also have a wanna-be garage on post. I had to provide my own plugs and oil filter, wires I have to get direct from BMW. The oil in it now is just fine, I haven't driven it but for 10 minutes since they changed it. The notes on the workorder said it was sludgy and water was getting into it, that's all.
2006-12-02 01:14:24 · update #2
Tie it to a tree and run away from it1
2006-12-02 00:39:29 · answer #1 · answered by grumpyoldman 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Excellent car, don't give up on it yet. The sludgy oil may have been from the previous owner not driving it enough or driving short trips or even using the wrong oil which mixed with the right oil that was in the engine previously. BMWs are not known for engine or transmission problems, even at that age. It will have electrical and control issues from time to time, but these are fixable. You need to find a real BMW mechanic and he will find the source of the stalling. It's important with this car to use the proper oil that BMW recommends, not just any oil. I'm not sure, but I don't think this car has a distributor. I've never heard of a 730i. I'm familiar with the 530i and the 740i, both are great cars. Anyway, you have something very special, not just transportation. Enjoy!
2006-12-02 02:31:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok..........obviously we have a few major problems here. First, the dying part. If the car is newer, you might have to have the electronic ignition looked at. It could be a module, plug wires, or even the computer. Also, if it starts fine, drives a little while, and then dies, it could be a catylitic converter issue. Now, as for the water in your oil, it is a major concern. As you drive your car, your oil circulates around the engine to lubricate all the major parts inside the engine. When water is entered into the bowels of the engine block, it begins to corrode/rust the insides. If you are constantly leaking coolant, you are also running the risk of overheating and frying the engine. Water into the oil pan is almost a sure sign of a blown head gasket, or in rare cases, a cracked block. If I had the make and model, I could tell you more. That's the best I can do for ya.
2006-12-02 00:51:04 · answer #3 · answered by calebhouser99114 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Year make and model sure would help and how many miles too! Transmission problems torque converter can cause stalling like you describe. If the oil is not milky your water in oil is not a problem. Some cars leak coolant in the engine from intake manifold gaskets. Modern cars after 1997 should have wires and other ignition parts replaced when the plugs are done.
2006-12-02 00:48:05 · answer #4 · answered by John Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't mention what make of car. If its a GM v6 its possible the intake manifold gasket is leaking (very common).
If you go a long time between oil changes some condensation of water vapor could get into the oil.
Water in the oil is a major problem. It could destroy your engine. Check your oil and coolant. Is the oil coffee colored, if so you have water in your oil.
Have you had to add coolant? Wires and distributor cap would make it run rough. I am surprised that if you needed plugs the garage did not do wires and cap.
2006-12-02 00:40:46 · answer #5 · answered by R1volta 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
simply have a pressure test done on the coolant system. if it holds pressure its not the head gasket, if it looses pressure and there are no visible leaks its most likely a head gasket
2006-12-02 01:38:42 · answer #6 · answered by stinger04038 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need a good mechanic that knows what he is doing.
Finding that one may not be so easy. Most I know are not worth their time .
2006-12-02 00:36:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like maybe your Torque Converter Lock-up is stuck in lock-up. Just like a manual trans with the clutch out when you stop.
2006-12-02 00:49:59 · answer #8 · answered by Gollub 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
R1volta has given you a super answer....
2006-12-02 00:45:25 · answer #9 · answered by Dirtydog 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋