Starter cable was a *bit* loose at the starter. Tightened it.

WARNING: before tightening your starter cable disconnect your negative battery cable

BUT - when testing the cable for tightness the two post terminal block on the solenoid spun a bit.

see pic here: PeachParts FastLane Mercedes Parts Store


I don't know the internals of the solenoid/starter very well. Is there any way to tighten?

That also still doesn't address the fact that the starter was consuming power from the battery and not turning when I jumped at the terminal block.

So I will wait and see...and keep my hammer and pipe with me in case. One more no-start condition and out it comes...

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'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car