Help! I think I have a bad ground.

[e30savant]

Getting very agro with my 86 325e, Replaced the starter yesterday and it started the first time just fine. Ran for about a minute or two and then slowly died. Now the engine will not crank over again. I think I have a bad ground somewhere (not sure if that really is the problem?). Any one know where the engine grounds are located on the m20b27 (2.7 SOHC) engine? Is there something else that I may be over looking? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[austra]

sounds like the alternator stop working and you drove till the battery died. there is a main ground on the 2.7 under the air box body to oil pan. mine also has a small one by the exhaust valve cover gasket to tray area but my friends eta does not have that one.

[e30savant]

Thanks for letting me know where the main ground was. I found it completely broken off on the oil pan side! I replaced the ground wire and got the engine to turn over. It will run for about a minute before it starts to idle badly and die. Replaced the plugs because they were bad. Tried again and the same thing, runs good for a minute or so then gets the shutters and dies. Any Ideas?

[TNBimmer]

Have the alternator checked. I've seen instances where the diode in the alternator goes bad and causes the battery to drain.

[EgMpower]

since you said you replace the starter wat you could of done is theres two wires that connect right there on the positive side of the starter one goes to the alternator and if its not connected or had a good connection your battery won't charge causing your car to die!
so if your battery is low everytime! that is your problem and if not the start your car and check the voltage of the batter while car is running it should be 13.7 to 14.5 if its any lower than that you got a bad alternator or a bad connection on the starter to the alternator