Intermittent no start revisited: New Starter!

[sun tortise]

The 1981 240D had a random no start condition that seemed worse when the engine was hot. The solenoid would not kick in.

I finally replaced that starter with a brand new Advance Auto starter, and the same problem still exists! Usually, but not always, starts from cold, but will more often not start after driving a while and stopping.

I previously cleaned and polished the battery terminals and ground, and the wires that connect to the starter and solenoid.

Could the ignition switch be the problem, or is this a frequent condition of Advance Auto Starters? Is there anything between the ignition switch and the solenoid? BTW, it is a 4 speed, so no neutral safety switch.

Thanks again for all the helpful advice