Good afternoon.

I have a 1983 300D EURO.

From grim (and sometimes very expensive) experience I have found that:

Some parts on this car are the same as a 1981 US 300D (like the alternator and water pump).

Some parts are ONLY for a 1983 300D EURO (like the crankshaft pulley and the air conditioning compressor; guess how I know ).

Does anyone know whether the starter motor (which of course has gone TANGO UNIFORM while 75 miles from home) is:

the same as the 1981 US version OR

EURO only!

If it were here I would crawl under and figure it out myself but since she was off "visiting" when she broke I could use a little help. I would like to buy the starter locally before heading up to replace it. Thanks

I use the same starter on my Euro 240D as the US version and I would bet its the same for my Euro 300TD.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

I took a starter from a euro 300D, 1979 I think, and used it on my 84 300TD with no problems.

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1984 300TD 1981 240D

Thank you for the quick reply.

That was my SWAG (scientific wild as_ guess) because the alternator was the same so I assumed that other electrcial components would be BUT...

some parts on this thing (like the a/c heating controls) the books says belong in a 240D.

I usually bring the old part with me when I go to replace something but this time that is impractical.

I have been reading about the Rube Goldberg extension/universal joint/wobbly joint/allen wrench assembly necessary to remove the starter bolts and then the "turn the wheels all the way to the right to drop the starter down" and see that I am going to have my work cut out for me EVEN if/when I get the right replacement starter. I have concerns this may be the original starter in which case it may be REALLY challenging to get the bolts loose.

It is a hard thing to learn that the car your father left you when he died is NOT a gift of affection but rather (apparently) part of some euro/gypsy curse that is passed down through the male members of my family. I have heard of, "the sins of the Fathers being visited on the sons", I just never thought I would "be it".

Why don't you push or pull start it and drive it home without stopping so you can work on it at home.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

There are also a number of ways in which people think the 'starter went out' on these cars when the starter isn't actually the problem. For instance a failed NSS and bad connections in the ignition switch are common problems on these cars.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

An 1983-Euro 300D would be a N/A 300D. The Euro-versions didn't come with options, you had to buy them, so most Euro's don't have A/C, not even the manual A/C. Standard equipment on an Euro was manual everything with only a few exceptions.

You can access the bolts for the starter from underneath. The starter drops right out.

Just to close the loop on this (and once again thank you to everyone) I bought a $79.00 rebuilt starter at Advance Auto (which was a MB original part for a 1981 US 300D) and we will see how long/how well this rebuilt starter stands up.
I traveled up to the car and did NOT have too much trouble (because a neighborhood kid had already taken off the old starter) putting the new starter on. The car cranked right over but would NOT start. A couple of shot of diesel approved starting fluid convinced her otherwise and we are back on the road!

I have found that most non turbo, US spic replacement parts work for my Euros. One of the exceptions is injector pump related items since Euros have the "M" pump. The vacuum shut off switch, linkage, and delivery valve seals are common replacement items particular Euros/M pumps, other than that I order parts for the non turbo, US spic cars, don't even mention "Euro" in most cases.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

Did that 'no start' condition contribute to the failed starter? Sounds like bad glow plugs.
Neighborhood kid deserves a good pat on the back for getting a starter out of one of these motors Most people moan and whine for a long time when pulling a starter on a 617.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

No one told the kid it was difficult. reading thourgh the various threads, then create the monster in our minds on the difficulty it will be.


Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

one of the last things to blame is a mercedes diesel starter--they are BUILT, instead scrutenize the cables/ connections., block to body ground and other tips listed by others here.