M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: alpha on November 23, 2010, 01:39:22 PM

Title: No start issue
Post by: alpha on November 23, 2010, 01:39:22 PM

So, my 91 318is wont start. It died on the highway, when it did, I heard a soft pop.

So far:
Replaced Crank Position sensor with brand new one. Old one was toast.
Fuel pump does run while trying to crank engine.
Replaced 2 fuses, a 10 and 30 amp.
Pulled a plug, tip was wet from fuel but there is no spark while cranking engine.
Can hear main relay clicking when turning key.


I dont what know what else to check.....

Title: No start issue
Post by: alpha on November 30, 2010, 01:12:20 PM

Bueller, Bueller.....

Title: No start issue
Post by: DesktopDave on November 30, 2010, 05:31:31 PM

Do you get a check engine light at all?  Do a stomp test & post your findings.  If no CEL, check that it's not burned out or that the fusible link in the trunk is OK.  It's buried in the middle of the smaller positive lead off the battery.

Title: No start issue
Post by: B318M42W on December 01, 2010, 12:23:32 PM

also check cam sensor if its still good.

Title: No start issue
Post by: alpha on December 01, 2010, 05:29:58 PM

So I performed the stomp test.  Recieved code 1251:
1251 - Fuel Injectors (group #1) fault can indicate problem with either individual injector or first group of injectors. Solution is to check fuel injector connectors, wiring from DME to injectors, and to test injector(s) for proper spray pattern. Additionally, fault code 1283 could be set in conjunction with this one.

But, I checked the plugs and they were wet from fuel.

Title: No start issue
Post by: DesktopDave on December 02, 2010, 09:53:50 PM

Check the injector wiring harness carefully.  Water can get into the M20 harness, I know that firsthand.  Not sure about the M42 harness though.  Maybe the little wiring conduit was flooded and shorted an injector?  A dying alternator or battery can also cause this trouble but my money is on the injector harness or plugs somewhere.

Good time to swap out the BMW injectors for some nice 19# Ford V8 injectors...

Title: No start issue
Post by: alpha on December 03, 2010, 08:05:53 AM

I will investigate this weekend and post results.  Thanks for the info.

Title: No start issue
Post by: DesktopDave on December 03, 2010, 10:51:31 PM

Anytime.  I hope it's something easy & you get your car back on the road this weekend.

Title: No start issue
Post by: alpha on February 16, 2011, 08:22:44 AM

Soooo, I finally found out the issue.  The bottom timing chain guide broke, chain skipped a couple teeth, knock timing out of whack and all intake valves and a couple of exhaust valves bent.  FML.  On the lookout for a used M42.....