Installing starter, help

mikeyz325 · 05:36 PM

I'm attempting to install a new starter myself. 1992 E36 325i, automatic. The symtom is that the starters sounds fine, but it is not turning over the engine. Everyone tells me it must need a new starter (bad solenoid)....

The problem I'm having is getting the intake manifold off. It is fairly straigtforward, but the 7th bolt at the very rear of the engine is very difficult to get to.

It would be much easier to get to if I could get the fuel rail off. I have the fuel hoses off, and the two bolts holding it to the manifold. Not sure how the injectors come out though?

I have a Bently manual, and it looks like the injectors come out of the manifold as opposed to coming out of the fuel rail (but hen why does it tell me to remove the retaining clips on the injectors?).

So which is it? The fuel rail wiggles but I cannot get the injectors to disconnect (at top nor bottom), and I don't want to pull on too hard without knowing what is supposed to give.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 03-31-2004, 06:27 AM

They should just pull right out of the intake manifold. Just keep pulling on the fuel rail and it will in turn pull the injectors out.. Be sure to use ne seals when re-installing the injectors..

mikeyz325 · 03-31-2004, 03:51 PM

Thanks... now on to bigger and better complications, like getting the starter mounting bolts out!

mikeyz325 · 04-03-2004, 07:31 PM

OK, I finished installing my new starter (a Bosch rebuilt), and I have the exact same symptom!

Sounds like the starter is turning strong, but it is not turning over the engine. I never heard any grinding, and the flywheel teech and old starter's teecth looked fine.

What could be going on!?

Spyro Gumas · 04-12-2004, 10:07 AM

I have the exact same problem. I have a 1995 325is (E36) and this morning the starter decided to go Wheeeee without turning the flywheel.

Is there a solenoid in charge of connecting the starter to the flywheel? Is this part of the starter or a separate part?

What's an immobilizer and does this car have one and can it be related to this problem?

Thanks in advance,
Spyro

mikeyz325 · 04-12-2004, 02:16 PM

responded to email, but here it is pasted+ ...

First step is to be sure your starter is NOT turning over the engine. Check to see if the fan spins when you turn the key.

I think the imobilizer is theft deterent thing? I know some OBC have a 'code' button where you need to enter a code (if set) to start the car. If your starter turns, I doubt this is involved.

Also learned the cam position sensor (a bad one) can cause your car not to start

Well as it turns out the starter WAS engaging the flywheel (just didn’t sound like it). Check if your fan spins when you turn the key, if it is, it is definitely turning over the engine (I was too upset and jumped to conclusions too quickly to make this simple check).

It was the fuel pump relay.

Apparently this is a very common problem on the E36. If you know which relay is the fuel pump, take it out and clean the contacts, then try again. Worked or me.

If your starter is definitely Not turning over the engine, the only thing it could be is your starter of some wiring to the starter. I actually replaced the starter myself (which is a lot of work) only to find I had the exact same symptom, it which time I finally realized it had been turning over the engine the whole time.

I hope for your sake it is as simple as a relay, let me know if I can answer any more questions,

Spyro Gumas · 04-12-2004, 02:33 PM

Thanks a lot for the reply. It really sounds like the starter is spinning without the rest of the engine following along, but I will definitely check the fan as you suggest. I’ve been doing a lot of reading and it looks like another possibility is either:

1) The starter solenoid which engages the gear to the flywheel is not working

2) Or, the ignition key is not sending enough juice to the solenoid for it to engage.

Of course, if it is the same problem as you had, I now know how to fix it.

Thanks again for the reply and advice … this forum is a lifesaver, full of very helpful people.

Spyro

Spyro Gumas · 04-13-2004, 05:49 AM

Ok, so I'm a cocky engineer ... damn if the fan weren't spinnin !

When this car isn't firing at all, it sounds like the starter is just wherrring away with no resistance, ... but like the man said (mikeyz325), THE FAN WAS SPINNING !

So, As I kept crankining and praying that the battery would hold (Interstate is definitely the way to go) the engine sputtered once. Then twice ... then .. you know the drill, and finally as a jet of white smoke emerged from the tail, the engine started running and smoothed out after a minute.

Why did this happen? The car was running fine for a month (from the day I picked it up from a guy in NJ). On Saturday morning I went away for two days (left the car standing in the driveway) and the starting diffuclty occured on Monday morning when I came back.

Spyro