Help please M52 start up - NEW SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!?

Post Sat Jul 16, 2011 6:17 pm

I thought I had got as far as trying to fire up my M52 conversion today. Fitted a brand new battery, checked all cables connected, earth strap etc. - put the key in and the fuel pump whirred - good sign. Turned the key to start and nothing, no clicks, no dimming of lights as current is drawn, absolutely nothing. Very disappointed and need some ideas please. Seems that the starter isn't getting juice (although I am hopeless at car electrics). There is a big power cable which runs from the battery to the biggest connector on the starter (M20) and I can feel a couple of other wires which are also connected to the smaller connections - any guidance or help will be greatly appreciated. can somebody please confirm each of the starter connections and where they should go and also that my diagnosis seems right - nothing on the key = no power to the starter.

Thanks!

Post Sat Jul 16, 2011 9:11 pm

Sounds like there is a break somewhere between the ignition switch and the starter motor on the Black/Yellow wire. Pin 18 of the C101 is the body to engine loom connection, if you pull back the rubber boot of this plug you should be able to spin the starter by putting power to Pin 18 Black/Yellow

Post Sat Jul 16, 2011 11:02 pm

Power as in direct positive from the battery? Apologies for the basic question but I am a complete fool when it comes to electrics!

Post Sun Jul 17, 2011 6:07 pm

Tried this and got the starter spinning. Put the C101 plug back together and then tried it on the key - it started spinning!
The problem is that it's just spiining over, not firing or starting. I've checked the fuel lines are the correct way round.
What should I check next?

Thanks for any help/advice

Post Sun Jul 17, 2011 7:12 pm

Check for fuel and spark mate

Post Mon Jul 18, 2011 1:12 am

is the starter spinning or cranking the engine? if it's just spinning you may not have connected it up properly and the solenoid isn't popping out and turning the flywheel.
kev

Post Mon Jul 18, 2011 9:07 am

^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sorry, should have described that better - it's cranking the engine.

I'm really scratching my head with this as it was a fully running conversion before I swapped it over to my car. Fuel pipes are the right way round and the pump is working fine, brand new battery, all connections checked etc.
I didn't have time to check for a spark yesterday as the heavens opened. Where's the best place to look - take a spark plug out?

Post Mon Jul 18, 2011 9:18 am

so it'cranking the engine over but it doesn't sound like it's catching at all or anything, just turns over and over.
to check for spark, remove one of the plugs and touch it onto a metal part of the engine with the coil pack attached to the plug as normal. then turn the engine over being very careful not to touch anything metallic, i'd even suggest using a pliers to hold the coil pack, it's not hoing to kill you or break anything but it'll hurt a bit if you slip up. this is how you check for spark, i.e. when you crank the engine over again you will actually see a small blue spark or perhaps not in your case.
also when you remove the plug, does it smell of fuel?
kev

Post Mon Jul 18, 2011 9:18 am

Yes mate. Chances are its a wiring issue or ews. Even if the fuel pump is pumping and theres fuel upto the rail if the ews is live then the injectors wont fire and there will be no spark

Remove a plug, plug it back into the coil pack and earth it against the engine somewhere and crank it, if theres no spark you have a wiring issue

Post Mon Jul 18, 2011 9:23 am

Yes, cranking over, but not starting. Doesn't sound like it's catching or even trying. I know it's definitely not a ECU issue, so will look for a spark.

Been a few years since I've done this and never on an engine with coil packs(!) - showing my age! Thanks for the help guys, need this M52 back on the road!

Post Mon Jul 18, 2011 8:52 pm

Does the relay inside the EWS module click when the ignition switch is turned on?

Post Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:07 pm

There's no EWS module - the ECU has been reflashed to delete the EWS. It was run on test in a different car for a number of weeks and transferred to my donor vehicle & checked it ran OK before I stripped it. 1 less thing to worry about!
No chance to check the spark tonight, I got home too late. Will check tomorrow.