my car is a mess (previous owner butchered the engine wire harness up near the fuse box...I've been trying to put things back together with what documentation I could find, though I'm starting to think that may have been a mistake). Initially, after installing the (alternator/re-attaching the last 8 in of harness),the car would turnover but would not start (as though out of gas). Made some adjustments to the positive terminal (re-stripped and attached wires, and cleaned contacts), the engine now will start for about 15-20 seconds and then stall out. I've checked the fuel pump relay, and the pump is engaged when the key is turned to the on position. Have no idea about when it's being cranked (my daughter's only 3...can't quite get her to help turning the key just yet..working on that though :). This started after reconnecting the wire harness correctly...(or at least I what thought I thought was correct)...and replacing the alternator (1984,733i, Bosch AL46X rebuild, 80amp). So just to save time, I've followed most of this post for trouble shooting purposes (main,and fuel pump relays seem OK...I know I need a volt-o-meter!). Any suggestions on what to try next? I know someone is going to give me a schooling on the "path of least resistance" but I'm including pictures of the harness and relays. Any suggestions (yes I do intend on keeping my day job, so no need to ask :).

Here is what it looked like when I bought it...ugly...but the car still started :)


Here it is now that I've had my way with it (haven't sealed up the connections yet with heat shrink.


And the fuel pump relay, notice the extra green wire (orange tape, as a flag)? I have two other relays that have extra green wires (with various stripes) hanging off of them too? Not sure what to.

• 15 second start...then kill 1984 733i (pic) - weierj80 2008-04-13 17:38:50 (219 views)
  • update: 15 second start...then kill 1984 733i (pic) - weierj80 2008-04-13 19:12:54 (162 views)
    • Maybe some pics to help- (pic) - stevebu 2008-04-13 20:33:59 (152 views)
      • Re: Maybe some pics to help- - weierj80 2008-04-15 11:04:05 (72 views)
      • Re: Maybe some pics to help- - weierj80 2008-04-15 09:59:32 (75 views)
      • And the all important main relay- (pic) - stevebu 2008-04-13 20:38:08 (125 views)
        • I give up... - weierj80 2008-04-20 18:22:18 (68 views)
          • Take a day off and don't think about it-seriously. - stevebu 2008-04-20 21:46:55 (73 views)
            • Re: Take a day off and don't think about it-seriously. - weierj80 2008-04-20 22:50:56 (58 views)
              • The latest bit. - weierj80 2008-04-27 15:42:59 (69 views)
                • Re: The latest bit, correction. - weierj80 2008-04-27 16:01:38 (63 views)
                  • This is how the 83 I have is: - stevebu 2008-04-28 16:19:48 (60 views)
    • im not positive, but i think it is the valve for the (url) - goms187 2008-04-13 19:25:09 (105 views)
      • Re: im not positive, but i think it is the valve for the - weierj80 2008-04-13 19:35:42 (75 views)
        • no dice - weierj80 2008-04-13 20:11:20 (79 views)
          • Re: no dice - goms187 2008-04-13 20:37:56 (74 views)
            • Re: no dice - weierj80 2008-04-13 23:46:12 (69 views)