Engine Blowup?? need to replace engine

[ggreddy]

Hi,
I parked my car in my office parking lot and in the evening when I tried to start the car it didn't. My mechanic changed the battery and the starter, but still it doesn't crank. Its almost the pistons are not even moving. So the mechanic says that the engine got so hot and it melted the pistons. He did a compression test and said only two cylinders had some power and the other 4 pistons have melted. Is this possible? How can the manufacturers make a piston which can melt in its operating environments? Does anyone know if this is possible?

[philippek]

The engine has some issues with fuel delivery. Specifically, it's not delivering enough fuel compared to the amount of air. This is known as 'running lean' and one of the consequences is spiraling cylinder temperatures. It's not unheard of to melt pistons if you run the engine in this state for prolonged periods.

[ggreddy]

Thank you for the quick reply, but does it happen that drastically. I just drove it to work in the morning and by evening 4 cylinders have problems?

[philippek]

It can definitely happen that quickly. Did you add a turbo/supercharger by chance?

[ggreddy]

I did not add turbo/supercharger, but I added the fuel injector cleaner.

[philippek]

I've never heard of fuel injector cleaner causing any problems (or causing any benefit, for that matter), but did you add it just prior to your engine melting down?

[ggreddy]

After adding it I filled up about 40 gallons of gas.

[philippek]

After adding it I filled up about 40 gallons of gas.

40 gallons...in a 525? :wow:

[ggreddy]

nooooooo... twice with 20 :)

[philalden]

Hi GGREDDY, i have a second '92 525i which i just bought to use for spares (the alloys look good on mine!). The engine was reconditioned just 500 miles ago and is the best sounding lump i have ever heard. I am in Birmingham UK - do you have any interest?