Cough, Hack, starter rescue

[whunter]

I just completed a 1976 300D rescue from a craigslist advertisement.

They where going to sell it because it would not crank after a (HACK) shop replaced the starter + New battery.

Symptom:

* Massive arcing when attaching the battery cable.

The (HACK) shop attached the positive and ground cables to the main starter terminal.

Repair:

* I re-located the ground cable to the bell housing.

* Re-charged the battery.

* Triple glowed and it started after extended cranking.

* Ran rough with massive black smoke for 2-3 minutes then cleaned up and ran sweet.

The Owner admitted the old starter cranked 2/3 slower, and they (mid winter) cranked the battery dead repeatedly = seriously flooded the cylinders, before taking it to the (HACK) shop for a new starter.

The owner is HAPPY as this car is loved and used as daily driver by the spouse.

I am attaching a picture of the body style in perfect condition.

A few related links and notes on the subject.

The correct way to cold start with glow plugs in WINTER:
* Turn the ignition to the glow position.
* When the light goes out WAIT an additional 30 seconds or until you hear the clunk of the relay turning off.
* Now crank the engine and it should (assuming good starter/glow plugs/battery/compression/Valve adjustment) start even at -20° F...

Below -20° F, I recommend adding 1-2 gallons of Kerosene to the fuel tank and use a block heater if needed.


Starter health is important to your diesel!!!
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/107318-starter-health-important-your-diesel.html#post739798

Tackling a starter, need suggestions (and sympathy)
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/135985-tackling-starter-need-suggestions-sympathy.html#post1001659

123 turbo Starter replacement DIY!
Pictorial: W123 300D Turbo Starter Motor Replacement

Battery Safety
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/141479-battery-safety.html#post1057827

Battery selection / Charging System / jump starting / cold weather battery issues
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/141516-battery-selection-charging-system-jump-starting-cold-weather-battery-issues.html#post1058189

Cold weather starting links
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/137674-cold-weather-starting-links.html#post1018529

Glow plugs link thread
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/137732-glow-plugs-link-thread.html#post1019018

Valve adjustment OM615, 616, 617 FYI.
Valve adjustment OM615, 616, 617 FYI.


.

[leathermang]

Roy, Do you REALLY have time to be going around and SAVING cars from Craigslist ?
What does that do for forum members in your area wanting to find a bargain ?
LOL

[whunter]

Originally Posted by leathermang

Roy, Do you REALLY have time to be going around and SAVING cars from Craigslist ?
What does that do for forum members in your area wanting to find a bargain ?
LOL

It was up for two months, and I was his first answer.

[leathermang]

Originally Posted by whunter

It was up for two months, and I was his first answer.

Wow,,, that SMACKS of BARGAIN...
if you were not such a bleeding heart liberal.... he would have paid you to haul it off....

[whunter]

Originally Posted by leathermang

Wow,,, that SMACKS of BARGAIN...
if you were not such a bleeding heart liberal.... he would have paid you to haul it off....

As liberal as the Amish.


It's working out very well for both of us, he wants a few repairs done.

Replace or repair:
Ball joints, tie rods, front seats, all carpet, 4 Brake Hoses, Fuel Filters, Diesel Primer Pump, 2 Flex Disc, Drive Shaft Center Support Bearings and Boots, shift rod bushings, Differential Mount, 2 window regulators, Door Weatherstrip x4, Trunk Seal, FRONT and REAR windshield seal , Manifold Gasket, Engine mounts, Transmission re-seal kit, transmission mount.

This is the third MB in six weeks, from the (HACK) shop.
They may figure out how to replace a starter someday.

[leathermang]

Oh... you are really really SMOOTH.....

[whunter]

Replaced a few failed parts.

* Missing Lower control arm bushings.
* Leaking torque converter seal.
* Leaking transmission cooler hoses.
* Leaking transmission pan gasket.
* Leaking transmission output seal.
* Seven of nine bell housing bolts not there.
* Four damaged brake hoses.
* Missing both sides front sway bar links.
* Shimmed partially collapsed Left front engine mount 4mm to lift the power steering bracket off the front sway bar.
* All rubber hose under the car leaking.
* Removed blank off plug and installed primer pump.
* Leaking power steering return hose.
* Leaking looped fuel return hose.
* Missing Shift rod bushings.
* Broken flex Disc's
* Missing wheel bolts.
* Fabricated a metal plate + three inch thick driver seat base cushion, to go over the raw broken springs.
* Leaking water pump bypass hose.
* Fabricated (cut and weld) a replacement battery tray from two spares.
* Damaged alternator belt.