Possible rain water under valve cover, engine will not start

Tiny
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No problem. That is why we are here. We will get through this.

You raise a valid point so let's just run a compression check before you put starter fluid to it.

Here is a guide that will take you through that:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression
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Monday, April 27th, 2020 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
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Okay, so dmtl pump I got today was for an m3, not what I ordered but I think the gas cap is cause of that p1447 code. Okay, so starter fluid tried really really really hard to start it, but didn't. I was Naval mechanic about 15 years ago so I've ran compression tests before, but that was long time ago! Lol. Anyway I 1st put about a teaspoon or two oil in each cylinder to make sure they were lubed considering the water issue, and repeatedly cranked by hand. Here's the results. I ran some multiple times. Keep in mind these are cold tests and reflect about 30 psi lower than hot results. I'm very worried!

Cyl6: 120psi @ TDC
Cyl5: 120psi @ TDC
Cyl4: 60 then 50 then 50psi @ TDC
Cyl3: 30 then 60psi @ TDC
Cyl2: 90psi
Cyl1: Zero psi twice, maybe 5 psi max!

I said the heck with it and tried the starter fluid anyway which nearly worked twice out of 6 times. Even tried resetting the throttle body after first try on all 6 cylinders before trying the second and third tries. I don't have compressed air to do a leak down test. Also I believe (may be wrong) most cars ask minimum 100 psi? I (think) BMW 330ci ZHP manual states 146 minimum psi. I want to cry. Any positive thoughts? Lol. Edit: I just don't get it. Water potentially got in cylinder 5 and cylinder 6, not cylinder 1. It's an inline straight 6. Cylinder 1 is closer to front of car and the hood vents are over cylinder 5 and 6, near the cabin filter and windshield.
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Monday, April 27th, 2020 AT 5:45 PM
Tiny
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Okay, disregard last message. Here's more up to date compression test when I'm not rushing because of incoming rain.

Cylinder 1 60-80psi (disregard the zero)
Cylinder 2 60psi (90 yesterday)
Cylinder 3 100psi (60 yesterday)
Cylinder 4 60psi (50-60 yesterday)
Cylinder 5 70psi (120 yesterday)
Cylinder 6 70psi (120 yesterday)

I personally believe I threw the numbers off by placing a teaspoon or two oil in the cylinders couple hours before compression test, plus I was in huge rush. Still not healthy but I can work with these numbers better than zero!
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Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 AT 12:49 PM
Tiny
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True, that is better then zero but they are half of what they need to be. I think you found the issue.

I attached the spec but it is in a measurement called "bar" but when converted to PSI your compression needs to be 174-203 PSI and pretty equal across the board.

Just confirm for me that you have the 330 Ci with the M54 3.0L engine. If so that is your spec.

Remind me of the repairs or upgrades you did to the engine. Did any of them have to do with cam, valves, or heads in anyway?
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Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 AT 6:48 PM
Tiny
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I do have 330ci with 3 liter m54 engine. I did not do anything to the cams, valves, or heads. Only direct engine work I can think of was replace the valve cover that was slightly cracked, valve cover gasket and grommets, and replaced spark plugs.
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Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 AT 6:53 PM
Tiny
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That is very odd then. We don't just lose compression on all cylinders overnight and the valve cover won't cause this.

We need to do a cylinder leakage test at this point to see where we are losing compression. Here is a video that does a decent job at showing how to do it:

https://youtu.be/WHli-wLy9_o

Just do a couple cylinders and see if they are leaking in the same place. I doubt you need to them all as I suspect we have one issue.
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Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
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I don't know that I lost compression overnight. I personally believe the engines just not had the best of owners in the past. Not saying bad owners, just not the best, myself included. Until recently I wasn't keeping up on it either. I can't help but think this is an ignition or fuel issue, despite it not starting with starter fluid. I can't help but think it's something I've done, and nothing I've done seems to be major based on the fact that there wasn't grinding metal or smoke when it quit. There is 196,000 miles on an engine that hasn't been kept up well. I think it's too low fuel, not enough air for some reason. But you know light years more than me, that's just my thoughts, I'm here to learn. I'll do a wet compression test in morning but I can't do leak down test because I don't have compressed air.
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Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 AT 7:17 PM
Tiny
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Sorry for all the issues with compression testing! Realized today the tester I rented from AutoZone was loose so was losing psi through the gauge like an idiot. Did wet testing today multiple times. 180psi in cylinders 1-3 and 190 psi in cylinders 4-6. So don't think any issues there. I'm much less stressed now!

So now I'm back on the wild goose chase I guess trying to figure out the crank no start issue. Won't start with starter fluid but tries really hard. Fuel filter was horrible, replaced that. MAF sensor coming in this week. If fuel injectors are clogged, wouldn't it still start with starter fluid if that were the issue? I'm leaning towards ignition issue or fuel pump or injectors, possible MAF sensor but don't think so because it won't start even with MAF unplugged.
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Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 AT 10:55 AM
Tiny
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I may have found the problem! Question, if Crankcase Ventilation system (oil separator) has a hose ripped in half on the hose connecting to bottom of CCV, that could cause engine to not start, correct? It's unmetered air entering the system. My fault codes are pointing to too much air, not enough fuel. The hose in particular that's ripped in half leads from bottom of CCV to the oil dipstick tube. CCV system is very well known for going bad on these cars, particularly that exact hose in that exact spot! Fingers crossed! I ordered the insulated cold climate version from BMW manufacturer just to be safe. Really really hoping!
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Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 AT 2:27 PM
Tiny
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Sure can. Let me know. Thanks for the update. Glad to hear the compression appears okay.
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Thursday, April 30th, 2020 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
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I replaced the CCV. That was really difficult with the intake manifold still in place. I'll sell that car before I ever do that again! I would've never known that system was there had I not seen the cracked hose from under the car last week. Who came up with that idea of 4 hoses and a crazy cyclone system instead of the normal simple elbow? Anyway, it started up! Blows white smoke everywhere and can hear a tick in engine. Getting p0604 code now but I'm gonna check my ECM fuse box tomorrow. It got dark on me and I'm exhausted. My only guess is possible blown fuse? Can't find much online but that 604 code only came up after I removed dme relay while doing wet compression tests last week. Also still getting p0102 MAF A Circuit Low. Only two codes I'm getting. Still afraid to drive it or even rev engine with that 604 code. I think I can take it from here but I want to sincerely thank you for all your input! You've been a wonderful asset to my 5 week endeavor! I'd be happy to send a Starbucks card or something brother I'd have given up weeks ago if not for your input. Thank you so much. And let me know how I can get ya that gift card!
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
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Awesome! That is progress. Excellent work.

As for this code.

P0604 - Internal Control module Random Access memory error.

It is most likely an internal issue with the ECM. However, I suspect that will clear once you give it a couple drive cycles if it is not a failed ECM. I would just let it idle for a little while and see if the tick and smoke resolve themselves. The smoke may just be water, oil, burning out and the lifters may be tapping a little and could pump up. We want smooth idle and no knocking. You hear this, shut it down.

P0102 - MAF circuit low

Again, I would see if this comes back after a couple drive cycles.

Based on these codes I don't see anything that would give me pause of running the engine. Clearly we want to see the smoke and tic noise to clear up but again, I would just take it a few short drives with easy driving and see what happens.

Lastly, you are very kind with the gift card idea. I do love coffee but even more so, I enjoy random acts of kindness. So if you feel compelled to do so, just hand that card to someone you see in a store that you feel could use it. You making their day better will make mine better. Thanks!
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Tuesday, May 5th, 2020 AT 6:30 PM

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