M42 problems

[E30ruben]

So, recently purchased a 318i..

One night went to start it, didn't start, so I thought hmm starter. Then it'd start if I turned the key to "start" position and held it a few seconds. Now sometimes I hear clicks, sometimes I don't hear anything!

I replaced the ignition switch and the car started 3 times in a row. (I tried it 3 times in 30 seconds) then after I put it back together, doesn't start.

I installed a new starter, it started, then when I went to try again, I see sparks and doesn't start..

Has anyone ever experienced this or something near this? I'm out of ideas!

[beta14ok]

Battery?

[tom d]

you shouldn't see sparks, check your wiring.

[Austin30]

It's got to be you wiring if your seeing sparks.

[E30ruben]

I thought it was the battery also, but hooked up jumper cables and still nothing.

Wiring on starter is all tight and secure.

[Austin30]

Where exactly are you see the sparks at. Right beside the starter ?

[E30ruben]

Well I just see a flash on the side of the motor where my starter is, I can't specifically see sparks in a certain place, my buddie said he saw some sparks coming from the exterior of the what I believe to be vacuum canister to the frame of the car, I know it's wild but could that broken bracket holding the canister be the problem since it's not holding it right on the frame? Could that possibly be a ground?

[Austin30]

It's for sure a wiring problem. Could be a ground. I bet if you find that spark you will find your problem

[Gerta]

I would also say ground. check to see if the ground cable on the starter is bolted down correctly.

[E30ruben]

Okay guys I'll check it out and get back with an update!

[E30ruben]

Sorry this took forever to update with work and all the car has just been sitting!

Culprit: There's this canister on the driver side bolted to the frame that has a couple vacuum hoses (I think they're vacuum hoses) going into it, well that canisters bracket was broken and I guess it had to be tight ok the frame to make ground.. Words for something like that to be the cause of all of this but that's why it was! Even fixed my bogging problem!

Driving the 318 now to work and it feels so good to be back! Thanks for all the help, ideas, and support fellas!

[E30ruben]

Now I just have to fix my heater..

Driving city is works, but once I starting cruising straight rode, barely feel the warmth? Smg loving ideas that could help?

[oldmann]

That canister being the ground for the engine/starter is not good. The wiring to it is now your engines ground wire.

CK the engine grounds, notorious for failure. Main ground for engine is on passenger side motor mount.

[E30ruben]

That has all been fixed. Now I just have to fix the heater problem mentioned above but I don't know where to start...

[bmwman91]

Wait, so the black charcoal / evap canister was functioning as the ground connection between the engine and chassis? Can you explain how exactly that became the case? The alternator has a big strap between it and the bracket that holds it to the engine, and the engine has a big strap from it to the frame on the passenger side. Honestly, I can't imagine how the charcoal can was acting like a ground considering how far from the engine it is!