non starting m42

[Lars0ne]

OK this is the second time i have to write this due to a computer mishap.

the problem is that i had a cable breakage on the cable going to the injectors.
i dont know if the problem is because of that because of a head gasket replacement. i squeezed the cable during the assembling and i left it in that condition (without knowledge of the short circuit) for a couple of weeks because of destroyed threads in the valve cover. and it took me some time to get my hands on replacement threads? (helicoil). but i fixed the threads and everything else last weekend and tried to start the car, i found the broken cable and fixed it. i replaced the battery and turned the key but nothing happened. so now i wonder if the short circuit destroyed anything else and where that part might be located.the car ignites on (starter gas?) but wont run continuously, it feels like the injectors wont open or something like that. i tried to find a broken fuse without result.  I'm kinda new to car electrics and cars as well. but i try my best.
I'm not so good at the tech-language but i think i know more words in English than in Swedish concerning engine parts i learn all the time.

Please help a struggling swede

many thanks
Lars

[FL318is]

BUMP!

someone here must know how to fix this.

[EN318isPDX]

Check your grounds? Maybe one of your grounds came disconnected? Do your lights turn on? Any CEL?

[Jtuner]

Start with your basics of engine operation.. you need fuel, compression and spark... pull out a spark plug, and attach the coil to it.. point the spark plug away from anything metal, but don't hold it.. turn the car over and see if the spark plug is creating a blue arc across it... IF IT IS, find your main fuel line that feeds fuel to the engine from the tank, and crack it (should be a line connection type fitting) and see if fuel comes out when you crank it.. again be smart, don't spray fuel all over anything that ignites.. if you have fuel and spark, you gotta start doin compression tests, and making sure your valves are opening and closing when they should...  
My best guess since you say you pinched your fuel injector wires, is that it'll be a fuel issue.. if you can, pull off each injector wire, and see what voltage you have at the connectors with the key on, should be 12v I think...? also, ohm your injectors,, they should sit about 14ohms....
Hope this is a start for you.. if anyone sees any discrepancies, please correct me... I'm not a bmw mechanic, Im an audi mechanic lol

[EN318isPDX]

Im an audi mechanic lol

At least you are moving up in the world of German automobiles

[Lars0ne]

thanks for the replies guys.
LINK the cable coming from No 18 is the cable that i had to fix.
the car ignites on the gas that i spray in the air filter (if u know what i mean please give me the correct name of that kind of gas). so im not out of spark.
if the timing is off, would it run at all? its hard to tell if the car runs good or like a tractor. she just ignites and revs up to maybe 900rpm and then goes dead.

i will remove the intake and check if i have any power to the injectors at all. maybe lift them up and turn the key? or is that a bad idea? i should have a nice spray of fuel if i do like that right?

what do u mean by CEL? the headlights works any how. what would be the affect if my ground came lose?

when it comes to the compression i do think i have it. it was kinda hard turning the engine with hand power when everything, such as the spark plugs, was connected.

thanks again guys. if u dont understand what i mean or if its not perfectly clear what i mean please say so. really want this darling up and running again


laters

[Jimmy Lewis]

Well if the starter does turnover and gets the engine to start with starter fluid, then you have a fueling problem. Start from the beginning, first make sure your pump turns on in accessory mode. Pull the back seat and open the cover and listen to see if it starts spinning, the fuel pump relay should also click on but just verify the pump is alive. If the pump is good make sure your fuel filter isn't clogged, it probably isn't completely but it isn't a bad idea to replace it just for good measure. If that's all ok then you should be getting fuel to the rail.

Now its time to break out the volt and ohm meter and check your injectors. I would also pull the cover off the little black box under the intake manifold and make sure everything looks the way it should, no connectors hanging loose and no frayed wires. I would recheck your "fix" to the injector harness as well and make sure it isn't grounding out. If the wire that you broke was able to ground then it probably popped a few fuses. That part really baffles me.

This sounds like an issue of simply grounding out an injector wire and causing the fuse to blow, but you said no fuses blew. I would check the above things and verify that there are no fuses blown at all, and also make sure that the fuses relating to the fuel system are of the correct amperage. That's all I've got, this is really just a no start troubleshoot for most cars. You have spark, and there shouldn't have been anything to produce a loss of compression, so you must not be getting fuel into the cylinders, one way or another.

[Lars0ne]

yeah we are at the same level now i think. have to check the fuel filter and voltage on the injectors this weekend. it raining outside now so i think i'll wait it out for a couple of hours. you know where i can find the correct fuse (number or drawing) and what amperage it is supposed to be. maybe a good idea to buy a DIY book for the e30/m42

thanks a lot Jim

[Jimmy Lewis]

Here is the fuse chart:
http://m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26&highlight=fuse+chart
The numbers correspond with the numbers on your fuse box cover of course.

As far as a DIY book, the e36 Bentley Manual covers M42 troubleshooting and it is available for download somewhere, it was in here but I'm not sure if the link still works. Its quite a large PDF file.

Goodluck with trying to find the culprit, it is never fun, but when you get it running again it will be worth it.

[Lars0ne]

no fuse blown. and the problem was the injectors. they didnt open because of a failing connector. the connector that i posted earlier.
thank you guys for your answers. now i have a lot more to fix on my wreck.
laters