Since the 240D idles down when you simply connect to the SD, I'd be getting a free battery check at McParts or Sears right about now. (sulfate shorted cell(s))?

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)

Clunker:

If there is a big current draw when you hook up the jumper cables, the battery in the SD is discharged. That means your alternator isn't putting out enough current to charge it.

Measure the voltage on the battery with the engine running after you completely charge the battery -- most likely the car will start normally with a fully charged battery. If you have less that 13 volts, you have either a bad set of brushes, a bad voltage regulator, or bad diodes.

An automotive electrical shop can check this out for you. You will have serious trouble starting if you don't keep the battery fully charged!

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Clunker,

Again I say : there is no ignition switch or ignition system in a Diesel. Please stop refering to them. Is just confuses things.

P E H

Eschew obfuscation? I agree. But are you suggesting that I close this thread and start a new one Titled: A Problem With The Key Switch Which Turns Electrical Components On And Off And Energizes The Glow Plug Relay And Connects The Starter Soleniod Which Connects The Starter To The Battery?

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"BECAUSE KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE"
G. I. JOE.

No better would be "Problem with starter circuit"

I'm just trying to get you to describe your problem accurately so myself and others and can help you.

I have already spent a lot of time trying to help you and I could have saved some of that time and given better answers if the description of your problem was more accurate.

P E H

I appreciate that P. E. H.. Turns out it was the solenoid. It was staying open. Thanks to all that helped!

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"BECAUSE KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE"
G. I. JOE.

Come on... You left me hanging!
I was getting very interested in your problem, as my 300TDT was having similar problems tonight "all of a sudden".
What was the cure? Did you need an entire new starter?

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Current: '91 300TE 4MATIC 317k and climbing...
Former:
'81 300TD Wagon 168K "Tank"
'83 240D 216K 4spd manual "Da Bear" (aka best car ever)

"Never sweat the petty things...
and never pet the sweaty things."

Clunker, are you intrested in any used parts for your 116 300SD? I have one that I am parting out and I still have everything - i'm just tryin to get the word out!

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1983 Mercedes 300SD
1987 Mercedes 300SDL
2001 VW Passat 2.8 AWD
2007 OM642 Jeep WK 4x4

Dieseldaddy,Breckman99,
It was only the solenoid. T'was a bosch rebuild I had in the garage for 3 years. Once I installed it and the more I used it the better it got until the problem went away. I have got to tell you it is the first time that things got better after usage: "Oh Yeah, Just Drive Her A While, She'll Quit Smokin'" Then a new ring job!!! To Breckman99: All I need is a fuel cap! How much?

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"BECAUSE KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE"
G. I. JOE.