M20 Refresh - Suggestions

[ForcedFirebird]

Hard to tell from pics, but there are two different starters BMW used. One for twin cam engines, one for single cams. To check the difference, measure the gear on the starters. Since they have an odd number of teeth, you will be measuring across two teeth on one side and one on the other (if that makes sense in text). If the starters have the same size gear, then you are good to go.

[Poorhouse]

I did check that, gear size is the same on the 2 starters. I was really hoping that was the problem.

I'm thinking it has to be the spacer or maybe the trans didn't fully seat.

Is there a difference between auto and manual spacers?

[zaq123]

I did check that, gear size is the same on the 2 starters. I was really hoping that was the problem.

I'm thinking it has to be the spacer or maybe the trans didn't fully seat.

Is there a difference between auto and manual spacers?

What spacer? The housing shield? It’s the same. Flywheel spacers are different with AT being thinner but it doesn’t affect the starter...I believe


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[Poorhouse]

Success!

My buddy who is a mechanic came over today to see what was going on.
He tried it once and said it wasn't hitting the flywheel.
Diagnosed a bad engine ground. He said they used to double up engine grounds on BMWs as they are weak.

Cleaned up the contact points and ran a new wire. Turned right over. So stoked the trans doesn't have to come out.

Now to figure out how to get the top bold on the starter back in...

Any one else run additional grounds? Where did you run them?
I have the one from driver chassis leg to alternator only at this point.

[ForcedFirebird]

If you remove the trans cross member nuts, let the transmission lean back, and pop the slave out, you will have a lot more room to go from the bottom for the top starter bolt.

[Poorhouse]

Was able to thread it in with my left hand.

[Poorhouse]

We've got a runner!