E46 320d f/lift starts with no intake

[Avi123]

Here's a brain teaser.
E46 facelift 320d, does not start with intake manifold on.
it only swings and produces diesel smoke
looked at obvious possibilities and thereafter stripped off intake.
For some silly reason, decided to try starting without intake "hides"
the car started, idled (evenly), and even revved up a little.
looked at pipes, connections etc. no obvious signs of damage.
replaced intake and vehicle refuses to start.
Repeated the process, starts without intake, made really sure that everything was put back together properly........again no start.

Mind you, i have only had this car from monday, previous history is unknown.

 

[RAArmstrong]

Here's a brain teaser.
E46 facelift 320d, does not start with intake manifold on.
it only swings and produces diesel smoke
looked at obvious possibilities and thereafter stripped off intake.
For some silly reason, decided to try starting without intake "hides"
the car started, idled (evenly), and even revved up a little.
looked at pipes, connections etc. no obvious signs of damage.
replaced intake and vehicle refuses to start.
Repeated the process, starts without intake, made really sure that everything was put back together properly........again no start.

Mind you, i have only had this car from monday, previous history is unknown.

Strange one there, but one thing I will add, is that if you have in intake manifold off again and your car has swirl flaps (http://www.swirlflaps.co.uk/) then take the time to deflap your car!

 

[Avi123]

it is the weirdest thing.
I am reselling the vehicle so i'm trying to keep costs down as far as possible.

i was thinking possibly a replacement on the intake with the egr?

 

[netercol]

can only think that the engine is not getting air with the inlet manifold fitted.. blocked intercooler perhaps?

 

[Avi123]

i was thinking the same, but she doesnt start even with the charge pipe disconnected.
Really think the intake has some issue with it.
Gong to strip now and see what goes on in that there intake.

I really dont want to strip down my main ride as a donor for diagnosis, so i hope i can find the fault without having to do so.

 

[Avi123]

Well, after a strip down, again the car started, but this time i inspected and cleaned the manifold, and re-installed while idling, put on the egr, and it worked. noticed the IDIOT who worked on the car last, managed to crimp the egr pipe at the manifold, so yet another re-strip, this time the cam cover had to come off, repaired the pipe and the car runs like a dream.

DIagnostics next and she will be ready for her new owner by next week.
YAY!!!!
Think i'll have a drink today!!!
Cheers to the FReakin weekend!!!