The comprehensive DOHC engine swap thread.

[tranceguy]

So the remote battery terminal is a safe location then?

[Ryan Stewart]

Mine arent coming directly out of the trunk for the diag plug but the main trunk to the DME right next to the diag plug. One has a red lead that can be powered by that remote terminal (that is what its there for) and the other side I attached to the mount for the engine ground for the old M20. It was the primary ground.

[tranceguy]

Thanks, Ryan. Big help.

I'm having a starting issue. And that ground wire may be the culprit..?
The fuel pump won't kick in unless I give it the same power as the O2 sensor. When I do that, it still won't fire. Is that maybe related to not having the main harness ground connected?

BTW, is there any way of testing the DME?

[Ryan Stewart]

Possibly, you definately need that positive and ground hooked up.

What are you putting it in? IIRC (and I probably dont recall all that correctly since i have been studying all the time) there was an issue with the online wiring schematics.

[tranceguy]

Cool. I'll give that a try first thing in the morning.

I'm putting a built m50 into a '90 325is.

[Brew]

Thanks, Ryan. Big help.

I'm having a starting issue. And that ground wire may be the culprit..?
The fuel pump won't kick in unless I give it the same power as the O2 sensor. When I do that, it still won't fire. Is that maybe related to not having the main harness ground connected?

BTW, is there any way of testing the DME?

Did you wire up the unloader relay? If not, I think somebody posted in this thread the wire colors and whatnot. If not I can take a look at my harness for you.
Is the motor cranking and not turning over? The main ground is VERY important. I had the same problem when I went to start mine for the first time and I realized that my main ground wire wasn't connected properly. I ran a heavy gauge wire from the right side engine mount arm to the frame rail, where there should already be a bolt and weldnut.

[tranceguy]

Where is the unloader relay? Pics, or any other info would be greatly appreciated.

Yeah, the motor cranks over nice and strong, but no fire.

I'm hoping it's the main harness ground. I'll let you guys know in the afternoon what happens.

I'll owe you guys a beer if you ever make it up to this area. :)

Thanks, Ryan. Big help.

I'm having a starting issue. And that ground wire may be the culprit..?
The fuel pump won't kick in unless I give it the same power as the O2 sensor. When I do that, it still won't fire. Is that maybe related to not having the main harness ground connected?

BTW, is there any way of testing the DME?

Did you wire up the unloader relay? If not, I think somebody posted in this thread the wire colors and whatnot. If not I can take a look at my harness for you.
Is the motor cranking and not turning over? The main ground is VERY important. I had the same problem when I went to start mine for the first time and I realized that my main ground wire wasn't connected properly. I ran a heavy gauge wire from the right side engine mount arm to the frame rail, where there should already be a bolt and weldnut.

[kylebes1]

the unloader will not bother the starting of the engine, all that did in the e36 was kill the headlights adn radio i think.

what year is your DME? Nevr handled EWS but that may be somehting to check into.

[tranceguy]

My DME is a red-labeld 413

[kylebes1]

did you OHM test your coils? would e weird for all six to be bad but its an idea.

[tranceguy]

No I didn't. Which terminals to I test and how many ohms am I supposed to see?

[kylebes1]

i think it is the out most two, you should read like .4 up to .8 I think.

There is a link on here somewhere, try to search it.

[tranceguy]

Well, no changes yet. I'm thinking it's the DME. I tested for power and ground at the DME plug and everything was OK. I opened the DME and took a peek inside. There was some corrosion on a few of the pieces.

Does anyone have a spare 413 laying around?

[Ryan Stewart]

M50 413 right, out of a pre-1995 car? If its a 1995 car then its probably got EWS.

[tranceguy]

It's pre-'95

It has a red label

413 EWS = silver label