1991 318i sedan project - Saving a sedan!

[s_ribs]

Fan/relay wiring diagram-



I had a SPST relay so that's what I used. A SPDT relay will work with minor changes.

Relay pin out:
30- constant power (to battery/power source)
85- ground
86- switched power
87- to fan


If using an aftermarket switch (I got mine at Radio Shack) make sure to add a fuse in before it! Check the specs and use the appropriate rating to protect the fuse. Mine was a 3 amp rating. The 30 amp fan fuse is on a separate wire/pin.


One consideration for the future is adding a full control unit. Flex-a-lite makes one that will allow multiple speeds, independent temp control while still allowing manual control, and factory a/c integration. Spendy but would be nice.

[s_ribs]

Ok, a couple of pictures from the last weeks projects-

Electric fan is in and working well. Shroud didn't turn out as pretty as I had hoped, oh well. Turns out the factory shroud isn't ABS, so it didn't bond to my ABS sheet. Ended up using silicon glue and some nuts/bolts to join them.

The fan wiring is in it's rough stage right now so I can test it. Once I decide if I like the set up I will re-do the wiring and make it prettier.

Start of the new color scheme up top:


Crinkle paint is cool. But if you have any oil leaks it stains it. I dig the gloss paint right now. Can't wait to get some blue manifolds in there.


Relay and fuses:


Power is from the power distribution block so the fan can be on anytime. This seems pretty safe to tap into constant power and was easiest.


If you dig through your bucket of random bolts, etc. you just may find something that works perfectly to secure wiring:



Fan ground:


All grounds are using factory ground points. Fan is here on the frame rail, switch etc. are grounded on the strut housing with the coil wires.


Fan power wire is run through the radiator support to stay tidy/protected:



Fan off = no indicator light:



Fan on = indicator light:


I had hoped that the LED indicator would turn on only when the fan was functioning. It can be hard to hear it when the car is running, so I wanted it to not light up if the fan didn't actually turn on - no such luck. I may need to use a different relay to do that.

[s_ribs]

What else would you expect to see there??

[Matt-B]

is that a UFO in montana pic?

[s_ribs]

Few bits-
First, my car is a little happier after replacing the oil pressure relief valve. It did seem to be not draining properly before and now it is. I don't even need to test the oil pressure to know that the pump needs to be replaced. With the relief valve working properly now, I get a second or two of noise until pressure builds.

Second, this is the first time I've seen an E30 run at the middle of the temp gauge! It weirds me out. I guess my thermostat needs to get replaced.

Third, re-timed the cams on Friday and wow is it more fun to drive! I definitely messed up timing when in there - but it was clearly off the entire time I've owned it.


Ok, 2000 miles were safe and successful! Here's a few pictures from the drive-

Somewhere past the gorge


Sunrise in Eastern Washington


They don't call Montana big sky for nothin


Nice thing about 10' uhaul's is you can actually see an e30 behind you!


Pictures can't possibly show how big these are.


Somewhere in North Dakota, car's still in one piece.


Welcome to the plains states!



In Madison now and adjusting to the new climate. It's a bit different than the dry PNW during summer! Hopefully I'll find a place to live that lets me work on my car once and a while - but I'm not holding my breath.

[MR E30 325is]

You check your oil level? I had mad ticking in my S52, and i was low about a quart. Filled her up and it promptly went away.

[Victorymike18]

I just breezed through this thread, and just wanted to say that you've come a long way with the car. Great work, and good thinking of hanging on to it. Keep it up.

[SiGmA_X]

I've always driven with MMO or Seafoam without any issues. Max of around 25mi of course.

HF OPG = $12.99? Has metric adapters.

[s_ribs]

Hindsight is always 20/20. Agreed, it would have made sense.

But-
Rattle from timing case on M42's -pretty much always timing components. And it was, mostly.

Lifter tick on a 193k mile engine... yeah, duh. Haha! The fact that it seems to actually be a pressure issue is more surprising than anything.

And, I wouldn't have known that there was so much gunk in the engine if I hadn't pulled everything. Potentially would have replaced the oil pump for no reason (if blockage is the issue).


Will be changing the oil today after running some MMO in it the last few days. Considering putting fresh oil/filter with some seafoam in the crankcase for a bit (idling not driving), then dump it again. Still possible the pump is going bad, but worth trying to clean it out a bit first.

Clearly the oil pressure gauge is quickly making it's way off the want list and onto the need now list.

Gotta love car problems to sort out on the day you're supposed to be leaving...

[SiGmA_X]

Shittttty. That'd be my guess frankly tho. I would have thrown a pressure gauge on the bitch before spending many hours tearing it down, only to have to do it again to replace the pump. Pan off, front covers off, fun times!

[s_ribs]

Starting to lean towards oil pressure issue more. Appears that when I have lifter tick, I have a rattle. Otherwise it's quiet. Both are much much better than before though.

[Van Westervelt]

Car is being dollied behind a U-hell. ;)

[SiGmA_X]

I'd check oil pressure before driving 1700mi, for damn sure. Unless of course you're planning on a motor swap in the near future. I hope its nothing tho.

[freeride53]

Good luck! I'm gonna drive up to Whistler next month!

[s_ribs]

What are you doing Thursday?

I'll be starting my 1700 mile drive. :p Thanks for the offer though! It'd be awesome to check it for my own peace of mind.

Going for a drive soon. Also curious to see what the oil looks like when I drain it tomorrow/Thursday.