Please Help. No juice to starter.
 

Posting from phone.

1986 190d.

Switching heater core to get coolant, things got a little wet on the DS around the alternator. Now, I get nothing from the starter when I turn the ignition. Can roll/pop start the car.

Any diagnostic tips would be most appreciated. I am in a fairly remote location.

Thank you.

If you are getting no click at all I would suspect the start signal or starter solenoid.

5 speed has no NSS, not sure if you have a clutch lockout.

If you have a meter check for 12 v on the small wire at the starter with the key held on III.

Good thing you have a 5 speed, the bump start is an option for you until you figure it out.

First pull the leads off the battery and clean them with your pocket knife and then make sure they're tight. Theses cars arrant so bad at having corroded terminals but its worth a check before spending $.

Yes that is something else to check. Not only the battery end of the cables but also the point where they attach to the body or starter.

Also check your block to body jumper (not sure of location on 190).

A bad connection will pass enough current to allow the auxiliary systems to work but when hit with the massive current demand from the starter, it causes enough voltage drop to prevent the starter from functioning. (V = I * R)

Use a coin to connect from the main battery terminal on the starter to the little terminal on the starter. It should kick the starter over. If it doesnt, you probably have a problem with the main battery leads.
If it kicks it over & better still starts, you have a problem with the lead from the ignition to the starter.