Stuck fuel gauge drops to reserve light on as I'm driving down highway, pull over to next fuel station and stalls ten feet short of the pump. Get it filled, and now begins the cranking on my dry dry om603.

I've had to re-prime the IP on this car before (after doing injectors, or whatever) and I know it takes three or four long cranking periods (20 to 30 seconds each) pedal to the floor to re-wet itself and fire up. Each time I think this is killing the starter... but boom fires up and a couple years pass until the next time.

This time was today. I have a clear section of fuel hose near the IP and after several cranking periods air is replaced by bubbles is replaced by fuel and the engine is starting to do its sputter thing, and nearly catch.

I'm thinking ok next one for sure, and turn the key, and nada. No click, no crank, no action. There's still some juice in the battery all the lights work, etc, I know it's getting slower and weaker each bout of cranking but it was not a slow crank of death to zero. Cranking was doing fairly well and was enough to begin sputtering and firing the odd cylinder, and then the next crank session was.... nothing. Not even a click from the starter solenoid.

Did something pop? A fuse, a thermal protection somewhere, did I fry the solenoid? Is there a minimum voltage hard cutoff relay or something that just says "no" if battery is below 11v or something (I haven't tested batt)?
Sudden dead spot on the starter motor.

My next step is to arrange a battery boost from a tow truck or taxi. But if I'm just going to be faced with a "key does nothing" with a healthy battery hooked up... then my plan of action needs to change.

As I search forums, quick helps or advice requested from those with similar car or past circumstances..

HELP!?!?

__________________
Cheers!
Scott McPhee

1987 300D