Car flooded pls halp (pics included)

[samurai pizza cats]

Hello Texas getting hit hard by rain yada-yada-yada and this happened



Car was parked when flooded (water up to the mirrors), drained the oil (water got in), fresh oil and filter, pulled the plugs and cranked the engine to get the water out of the cylinders. Everything seemed fine till I put in new plugs and tried to start it. Heard a sparking crackling noise coming from the drivers side closer to the headlight. After that the car won't crank anymore. All the lights and wipers work but when I turn the key nothing as if the batt is dead. Bought new ecu and abs module but still no crank. All the fuses look good any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Not sure if this was electrical so I posted here.

[george graves]

drivers side closer to the headlight? Well, the starter isn't too far from there. Or maybe a relay?

[samurai pizza cats]

Anyway to test the starter? And I'll probably get new relays just to remove that from the equation. I did notice when I pulled them there was a white powder on the connectors, I'm sure that's not good

[george graves]

You can hot wire the starter with a jumper cable. You might want to grab a friend that knows what he's doing, and you'll be triggering the solenoid, that will then trigger the starter.

Here's a link that will help you if it's on of the main relays: http://blog.bavauto.com/2142/bmw-e30...-and-no-start/ Check out where the main relay is. That would be one of the things I would look at.

There's others that know more then I do about your symptoms, they will be along shortly to help out!

[supermansocks95]

Not one of those guys. Just here for the flood.

[e30topdown]

Does yours have the main block with three relays near the AFM next to the driver's fender well like my cabrio. That is probably where the frying sound was. I would replace any of the relays in there or in the fuse box. If water gets inside those relays, it won't dry before it corrodes inside. Someone may have some of those fuses just laying around, too. I'm sure they would be glad to help. I would if I had any spares.

[samurai pizza cats]

Yeah mine has the box near the afm with the three relays, altho I've only been able to find the white and blue one new. The third one is a silver Bosch relay I can't find new. I'm going to buy a new starter and hopefully that gets it. I took out the dash and from what I can see all the wiring still looks nice and tidy but I worry I'm going to be chasing a gremlin. Just don't know how deep the rabbit hole goes and that makes me nervous. I really appreciate all the help you guys. Here's some before pics







And some titty sprinkles for the help

[samurai pizza cats]

Stupid phone only let's me do one attachment at time. Anywhoozle here's the before flood

[Campbelljj]

That sux. Sorry man!

[samurai pizza cats]

Small update: I tried swapping out the relays with my friends running e30 relays and no difference, all the lights turn on but nothing happens when I turn the key, no noise or click or anything, just the lights dimming a bit. Going to buy a new starter and seeing if that does the trick.

[e30onBBSs]

Car flooded pls halp (pics included)

Jump the starter first like George said, could save you money and a lot of time.

Check battery voltage first and foremost, and if you have power to the starter as well. If you get 12v at the starter but nothing happens, then it is probably the starter. If you don't get 12v at the starter, it's the wiring to the starter. (Unless they are both shot which is unlikely).

Could be lots of other things but diagnosing the problem and getting more information will save a lot of headache.

[samurai pizza cats]

replaced the starter and now it turns over when i turn the key, sounds like it wants to start, stutters but doesn't actually start. So far ive put in, new spark plugs,relays, new ecu and brake module and all fuses look good, any ideas? distributor maybe?

[wilholl]

replaced the starter and now it turns over when i turn the key, sounds like it wants to start, stutters but doesn't actually start. So far ive put in, new spark plugs,relays, new ecu and brake module and all fuses look good, any ideas? distributor maybe?

There are several connectors in an e30 that will retain water and cause problems. The connector for the O2 sensor and the fuel injector harness connector are 2 that I know from experience that will retain water.
Check all the connectors and make sure they are clear of water.
Also, you might have had or do have water in the distributor cap, that can cause havoc with the spark.
Check and replace.
Good Luck!!

[Kevinl]

why even bother the car is toast

[samurai pizza cats]

New ignition coil and checked the dist. Cap. It just still turns over but won't start. All the spark plugs are getting spark.

also found this



Seems like something like this should be connected to something. It was just taped off. Anyone know what this does?