My 240D has ocassion's where it make's a growling noise after starting, I guess I should plan on replacing the bendix in the next couple of weeks.

__________________
'10 Chrysler T&C Stow-N-Go White. Grandpa's ride.

'13 Chrysler 200 Touring Candy Red. Grandma's ride.

Age and cunning will always over come youth and vigor.

Whunter,
Well, it's certainly a good thing you are on line tonite! The EXACT same thing just happened to my 1982 300SD starter about 30 minutes ago. I had just gotten my car aligned, and when I started it, I heard a whining sound that was getting faster and faster, so I shut off the engine. But it kept on whining, faster and faster, so I popped open the hood, and heard it coming from the area of the starter, with a faint electrical burning odor. Before I could undo the battery, the noise abruptly stopped. (total of about 30 seconds of whining) Not knowing what it was, I then started the car again, and drove home, but with no whining sounds from the starter. I immediately got online, and there was your answer!
So, all I need is a new solenoid? I can install it tomorrow, if I know what to buy. Can you recommend a good one? We have all the AutoZone, Pep Boys, etc, etc out here in SoCal. Thanks in advance.
SteveKaa
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1982 300SD 337k miles

Hello skaa
Very glad to hear that all you need is a new solenoid.
Sorry, I never endorse any brand.
Sort of like a smart stock broker "NEVER" gives a friend market advice.
If it fits correctly and you find the brand acceptable, then it's ok.
Be sure to disconnect the battery first.
Have a great day.

Whunter,
I'm sorry. What I was trying to ask was if any generic brand of solenoid would do, as long as it meets the specs, or does it have to be a MB approved or made solenoid, like so many other MB car parts?
SteveKaa

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1982 300SD 337k miles

i'll buy that. is it possible to replace just the solenoid on these starters?

__________________
1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

Whunter and 84300DT,
I just got off the phone, and from talking to the Parts Counter at a few places, I can say that for the 1982 300SD:
1. Yes, they do sell separate solenoids, for about $70, but they are 'Special order' only. 3-5 days wait.
2. The separate solenoids are made by Borg-Warner, and also by Wells.
3. They sell the combo starter/solenoid package for about $130, and they are Bosch remanufactured with a lifetime warranty.
Looks like I'm buying the Bosch lifetime warranty package tomorrow.
SteveKaa
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1982 300SD 337k miles

Look in your yellow pages for starter rebuilders.
One of them should have what you need in stock.
Some will be open on Saturday.

Whunter,
Thanks for the advice. I'll make some more calls in the morning, before I part with all my $$$. BTW, those were some really nice pictures. It's always a pleasure being able to SEE what we're talking about!
SteveKaa

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1982 300SD 337k miles

Whunter,
I called around this morning (Sat), and looked for a solenoid, and while many places carried them, no one had any in stock. I couldn't find a starter rebuild listing or referral, so I went with the full package, the Bosch reman starter/solenoid combo. Not bad, $130 with lifetime warranty,(whatever THAT means), and a $35 core fee. I walked across the street to a PepBoys just for grins and asked if they could install the starter, and they said 'Yes', for $177.50!! (2+ hours of labor). I asked why it was so much, and they said the turbo exhaust had to come off first. I said for $177.50, I'd do it myself! Well, it took me 4 hours and half a can of penetrant to take the dozen or so nuts and bolts off to free the exhaust pipe from the turbo,(as well as the air cleaner and bracket) and I'm letting the 2 allen head starter bolts soak in penetrant all nite before I attempt to loosen them. Those exhaust pipe nuts and bolts had never been removed in 22 years, (and the starter itself is about 14 years old) and I only lost one nut(rusted in place and snapped off). I'm impressed, MB sure does double and triple-safety everything! More tomorrow...
Stevekaa
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1982 300SD 337k miles

what about the wire bundle terminal on the passenger side inner fender.
can corrosion there cause an intermittant starter problem?

__________________
1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

Hello 84300DT
I attack wire and wire terminal corrosion any time it is found.
I would rather replace fifty corroded terminals; solder and shrink wrap every one, than risk the issues the corrosion causes.
Corrosion on terminals or wires is never a sign of good electrical system health.
When you finish the cleaning or repair, if it is an open lug terminal block, smear a dab of bearing grease on the lug - terminal to slow corrosion formation.

RE: What about the wire bundle terminal on the passenger side inner fender.
Can corrosion there cause an intermittent starter problem?

Insufficient data.
Please describe what kind of intermittent starter problem:
No crank?
Uncontrolled crank?
Weak crank?
Random response to key switch = several tries before it cranks.

thanks whunter,
Random response to key switch = several tries before it cranks. = yes

hear the solenoid ''click'' and no starter turning. especially when the engine/ambient temperatures are hot.

__________________
1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

Never heard of having to loosen the exhaust to change a starter on a 617. Is this unique to the SD? Why was it necessary?

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Hello 84300DT
Random response to key switch = several tries before it cranks. = yes

Since you hear the solenoid ''click'' and no starter turning.
The problem is:
#1. A burnt contactor plate in starter solenoid.
#2. A burnt comutator.
#3. A burnt winding.
#4. All number 1-3.
Install a rebuilt starter and the problem will be gone.
If the car was here, I could narrow it down, but the diagnostic time is not worth the cost IMHO…

KerryEdwards,
I just spent the day under and over my car, and finally got the new starter installed. If there's a way to do it on my car (1982 300SD) without taking off the heat shield and exhaust downpipe, or anything else underneath the car, I'd certainly be interested in watching it done. There's too much steering linkage stuff in the way to drop it straight down, and to get to the brackets behind the starter, it required a lot of room for my ham fists. But, I'm glad I did it, because I also removed and painted the heatshield with Hi-Temp Aluminum paint to reflect some of the exhaust heat more effectively, and cleaned out a few years of carbon buildup in the accordion connector. I'm a DIY'er, and although it took all day, I know when I'm cruising down the freeway on a gorgeous SoCal nite, I'm enjoying the fruits of MY labor, not someone else's I paid to do it...
SteveKaa
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1982 300SD 337k miles