M50 swap cranks, no start. Got fuel and spark

[aplinweiss_is]

1991 318is
M50nv swap

I've searched the past week through threads on no start issues looking for clues. It cranks, I'm getting fuel and spark. Checked resistance on the crank sensor (538 ohms). Camshaft sensor (1260 ohms). DME has power at pin 26,21 and 56. I pulled the fuel rail up to confirm good spray from the injectors while cranking. Pulled a coil and popped the plug in it to confirm spark. I pulled the trigger wheel on the crank to confirm the alignment pin is there and that it is lined up.

Got any recommendations for me?

[aplinweiss_is]

Wow, nothing?

[mr.vang]

spark+fuel+____=kaboom

what are you missing?

[aplinweiss_is]

I might have narrowed something down.

The fuel rail I got with the m50 doesn't have a pressure regulator. I don't mean it's missing one. It is just a plain rail with supply and return. Everything I have seen on m50 has a rail with a FPR. Any chance it's drowning out the spark since the fuel pressure is just full from the pump.

[mr.vang]

Um, it does crank

yeah i though about it, can't be the starter

[aplinweiss_is]

yeah i though about it, can't be the starter

I edited that, Im not trying to be a smart ass while asking for help:D

[Vtec?lol]

you need a FPR. Also make sure the engine is grounded.

[I*Do*Werke]

not being grounded properly is a very common reason to have no start

[aplinweiss_is]

Engine is grounded with a strap on the passenger mount to the chassis.

[aplinweiss_is]

Confirming my suspicion I clamped some vise grips on the return fuel line from the rail and it started! Somehow I have this plain fuel rail that doesn't have a FPR built into it.

Anybody got a M50 fuel rail they want to sell me?

[Wanganstyle]

post a photo, you probably have a OBD2 rail with remote fuel pressure item

[hfabricius]

Wanting to bump this old thread for relevant info. Answered my question as I also have a fuel rail with no regulator, apparently 95 models came like that. Tried the clamp on return line and it worked like a charm.