Problems starting or starting problems?

[Pete_G]

Hi, Having only recently joined wedge ownership (5weeks) 86 350i a couple of problems have welcomed me to the world of BBW,having owned Porsches for the last 10 years i am not used to this.....occasionally but becoming more regular when i turn the key to start the engine fires up but the starter motor is still engaged,turn the ignition off and the motor is still going,turn on starts ,still going turn off still going ,two or three times before it disengages.solenoid or ignition barrel? secondly two days ago the oil pressure gauge shoots off the clock as soon as the ignition is switched on and stays there until switched off. I wont mention the raining in!!!
Regards Pete G

[350zwelgje]

Earth leads, fuse box and relays (and their connections) would be my first thing to have a look at.
Only second would be the starter motor itself. It is very close to the exhaust and gets fried and could cause to fail.
The ignition key barrel can fail as well....

Rob

[adam quantrill]

Some of the motors have a rubber grommet at the rear that you can get to the solenoid mechanism to - in situ.

Disconnect the battery first, then prod in the hole with your finger. If it seems a bit reluctant to move you can squirt in some oil and then grease, while moving the actuator back and forward a bit to work it in.