The starter on the L seems to have a lot more "zip" if you will when cranking the motor over compared to the starter on my SD. It's been so long since I owned my 123 I do no recall how the starter operated on it.

Anyway, I'm wondering how fast the starter is supposed to crank over the 617? Maybe you guys that have both can comment or an audio clip of a good starter cranking over a cool motor.

If mine is about to crap, I'll install the extra one I have in the garage.

Thanks!

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

I noticed this as well. I really hope the starter on the SD doesn't blow, it looks like a pita to change.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I've got not 603 experience to compair the zip to......but mine crank fairly quick.

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Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Section 609 MVAC Certified
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"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Hattie, I'll tell you. The starter on the 617 is a pain. One the 603 it's a joke it's so easy. It's one of the few repairs that is much easier on a 603 than 617.

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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I honestly can't tell if one starter has more zip than the other and I have both types of cars. They both seem to start fairly easy. It doesn't take too many cranks to start either car.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Mine usually starts before it even gets a chance to crank it around a couple times.....but when it has to, it seems to do it without effort and quickly....a couple nights ago it took 5-6 cranks and it took place very quickly...started right up. (it was like 7 deg's out & no heater)

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'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
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'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

You'd be correct. It's an absolute PITA. I did a preemptive strike with the manifolds off and it was simple. I can't imagine doing it from underneath without a proper lift.

But, then again, you already have an easy solution if the starter blows:

















.........ahh, DAD, DAD..........

Oh, so it's easier w/ the manifolds off? I'm planning on installing that KKK turbocharger I have (versus that emissions Garrett) and EGR-less manifolds. Maybe I'll do the starter at the same time.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Like night and day.

Definitely do it with the manifolds off. Your only challenge will be the two big 12mm cap screws that must be accessed from the rear. You probably will need more leverage than what you can get with a 1/2" socket wrench. Once those screws are out, the R & R takes 15 minutes.

Excellent news, I'll have to wait then.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]