The Lachsness Monster

[6A LDY]

So, I finally took the plunge and bought an e30 of my own. I am now the proud owner of a 1988 325ix. It is a (mostly) lachssilber coupe that is in need of some serious TLC. I decided to bring it with me to school to work on and I have recently dove into it.

A little background on it, the timing belt snapped and cracked the head, but the PO had a new head and parts put on it roughly 15k miles ago, so its a pretty fresh motor. It has sat in the new england woods for the past 3 months and it definitely shows and smells.

After cleaning out a rats nest in the glovebox, lysol-ing the hell out of the entire car and vacuuming it, it is starting to smell like a car and not a mouse sex den.

So, first things first it doesn't start. When i got it the battery was completely dead, I replaced the battery and tested all of the electronics and they all work great, except for the starter. When I turn the key it clicks once and then nothing. The engine doesnt turn over or anything.

I am in the process of replacing the starter with a rebuilt one from Turner Motorsports, and I have a couple of questions.

I managed to get the top nut and all of the wires of after removing the air intake box, but I cant seem to get the bottom nut off.

Does anyone have any advice on how to take it off?

Also how high should I get the car off the ground on jack stands?

As of right now I've been jacking it from the front crossmemeber and putting the jackstands on the side rails, is there a better place to jack it from and put the stands to make it easier on myself?

What should I do or check if it still doesnt start?

What should I do next after the starter in order of importance? (I know the belts and Tstat and water pump)

Sorry for the wall of text, but I wanted to share since this forum can be a little dead sometimes and I'm sure you guys like to hear that another ix could potentially be saved.

Thanks!

:o

[6A LDY]

Here's some pictures

http://imgur.com/a/H38K7

[6A LDY]

Also do you need to remove the dipstick or trans to get the old starter out?

[TehRaydarlover]

Looks like a fun project, never had to deal with replacing a starter (knock on wood), but after you figure out the starter I'd make sure the cv boots are intact, all fluids are topped off, and your front driveshaft is greased.

[spdracrm3]

did you check voltage at the starter before trying to remove it ? would hate for you to go thru all this only to find it a bad connection somewhere in the batt cables or ign switch . with a good battery there should be least 11.5 volts at both the main cable and solenoid control terminal of the starter . also be sure to check grounds they are just as important to the complete circuit . voltage drop test them also.
the commutators in the starter windings can corrode if they sit for long periods and the brushes also so another thing to try is tapping on the motor while someone holds the key in the start position if your voltages check ok sometimes they will start working again.

also make sure the engine isnt siezed by turning it over by hand !

[6A LDY]

IT IS ALIVE! It fired up with the new starter. It sounds and smells like a 2 stroke go cart but it actually runs!

[E30NJ]

Good to hear. Save this ix, everyone i've found is a auto. Good luck!

[bradnic]

Always good to hear about Lachsilber IX coupes! Let us know when you get 'er going.