This may be obvious, but It took me 10 years to figure it out. Occasionally my tii will not start the first time when hot. This is usually because of inattention on my part. Some of these times, the engine will become flooded. Because of the design of its fuel delivery system, the tii will not respond, when flooded, to the classical “fix” of putting the accelerator to the floor to air out the cylinders. The only real “fix” is to wait 1-2 hours.
One time in this situation, I removed the fuse controlling the electric fuel pump, thus depriving the engine of added fuel both from the injectors, but more importantly, from the cold start valve the engine then turned over briefly after starting it with the accelerator on the floor. I stopped the engine immediately, replaced the fuse, and drove on.
contributed by: Thomas A. Butterworth
Last update: 2006-12-07 00:11
My “new” 1973 2002tii needs a new battery. Any suggestions for a good, maintenance free battery? I remember the “Varta” brand as the OEM battery when I had my original 2002 as well as a few later BMW’s but I don’t think that Varta is sold in the US anymore. Anyone have a battery that could suggest?
Jim Gerock writes: When I bought my 73tii, the previous owner had installed an Interstate brand MT-42 60 Month battery. It’s a tight fit, but it works. Keith Kreeger writes: The original VARTA type battery is still available from any BMW dealer. The BMW part number is 61 21 1 362 314, which is a 55 amp hour battery according to the most recent parts CD we have. Last update: 2007-06-10 19:27 Author: Jim Gerock, Keith Kreeger
After removing my alternator for bushing replacement, I took it to (2) places before I was able to have it tested. The newest computerized charging system tester stations do not list this car in their database. Some places don’t have the correct connector. I first took my original 73 unit to a local Pep Boys service center. They had a fancy new machine that didn’t have the older BMW’s listed. The second place was an Advanced Auto Parts store.
They had a slightly older tester that was used on my alternator – but they claimed the output was too low under load. I neglected to ask “how bad is it”. They also tried to sell me the standard top mount non-tii remanufactured unit!. I finally ended up in a very old Auto/Marine Electric shop very close to my workplace. They tested the alternator and said it worked fine but the bearings were going bad. I decided to order a Bosch AL-40X (still on backorder). After waiting 4 weeks! – my new alternator arrived. It even came with a new black pulley/fan and resistor! Notes regarding the red urethane bushings sold by several companies: They are too thick and the stock washer will not fit under the circlip. Trim the leading edges before installing them. Last update: 2009-06-24 19:01 Author: Jim Gerock