Author Topic: Engine swap almost complete, need advice/help (Read 3865 times)

ejectorbed · « **on:** October 23, 2007, 08:20:41 AM »

Hi,

Looking for some help here.
Just swapped an E36 M42 in to my E30 318is. Everything is wired back up and ready to go...
Apart from the fact that there seems to be a problem with the starter motor.
When I first turned the key, the starter motor was spinning but not engaging the flywheel. Then suddenly, it even stopped spinning.

Checked the wiring, and there was a problem.
3 contacts but only two of them wired up. Sorted that out, but still nothing.
I did a test on the starter (jumped the connection with a screw driver) and the motor spins, but again no flywheel engagement.

Anyone got any ideas what's wrong?
Some research has suggested it might be "the fusible link". If it is, it seems strange that I could do the test.

Vladi · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2007, 12:28:09 PM »

Change the solenoid switch and it will work. Had the same problem when i did the swap. Starter spinned but didn't throw the pinion out.

ejectorbed · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2007, 02:33:29 PM »

Thanks for that.
However, I tried another test.
I jumped the connections between the 10mm and 13mm terminals on the solenoid. As if by magic the engine cranked. After a bit of head scratching I tried it again with the key in the ignition to see if it would fire. I was back to the starter just spinning (with and without key).

Now leaning towards getting a replacement starter, but still have the problem of no power from the ignition key.
Is there a relay that governs the starter? Been trawling the web to find where it's located, but no joy. Service manual for the E30 doesn't have a relay diagram and the Bentley M42 manual only covers the E36!

I know I'm so close to getting the old girl fired up again.
This is doing my head in!

Vladi · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2007, 04:12:30 PM »

That's what my starter did, 3 times it worked fine, one time not. 2 Times worked fine, 2 times didn't, etc.
Change the solenoid switch and your trouble is over.
As for no power from ignition key, look in the harness near the steering column for the connector in the photo. If it's not connected then you don't have power to the key and instrument cluster.
If it IS connected then you've got your wires mixed up at the big round connector that links the fusebox and car harness with the engine harness.

ejectorbed · « **Reply #4 on:** October 24, 2007, 04:14:16 AM »

How exactly do you change the solenoid switch?

None of the cabling (apart from those attached directly to the engine) were disconnected during the swap. I initially had power from the key, so it seems as if something has burnt out.
Is there a relay for the starter motor?

Wise Old Dog · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2007, 06:56:58 AM »

Check your ground from the starter to the block. The mating surfaces should be clean bare metal, no paint. That ground is critical to the starter functioning with enough amperage to work correctly. If you painted your starter, that could be the problem. Also check the ground strap from the soliniod to the starter body.

Vladi · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2007, 07:23:39 AM »

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CG51&mospid=47454&btnr=12_0509&hg=12&fg=25
Part 3. It has 3 screws. Plug and play.

ejectorbed · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2007, 03:01:03 PM »

Thanks for that.
Getting 11.5 volts from the ignition cable, so it looks like the solenoid switch is indeed needing replaced.