To use the junction box to start all you need is a wire to go from the 2 outside terminals that should jump the starter. What you could also do is try to tap the starter with a big wrench or tire iron sometimes a jar will get it to engage what was the case on my 85 300 SD was the small wire on the starter was broke right on the end that attached to the starter I could not see the break only discovered it thru a continuity test after getting stranded 50 miles from home and going thru a lot investigating took me awhile to find it. Yes it is a very good idea to join AAA with free 100 mile tows when you own these 30 year old cars with brittle worn out wires and always carry tools with you.

Tried that. I have a 300d turbo. So getting to the end wires on the solenoid is not easy. I can't see them from any angle

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1982 300D Turbo 203K silver
Need to fix these leaks badly

Did you clean the battery terminals w/ a wire brush before putting on the new battery, and clean its terminals too? That is often the only problem. With a multimeter, measure voltage from BATT- terminal to the BATT+ terminal. That is what the starter sees, less drop thru its cable and terminals. If that holds >8 V as you try to crank, the starter is likely bad or the engine is dragging badly. That happened when my 1985 engine failed (pistons bad). To judge, you should be able to rotate the engine by hand using a wrench on the pwr steering pump pulley. If not > 8V, measure right on the battery terminals. That will tell you if getting a voltage drop thru the terminals. I carry a multimeter in all my cars (free w/ coupon at Harbor Freight).

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1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans

So what finally happened? Sounds like the solenoid to me. Needs a clank.

Get a 13mm wrench and a wire brush or sandpaper and unbolt the ground strap that goes from the lower part of the tranny to the frame on the driver's side; clean up the connector and the place on the frame where it bolts on. This is easy to get to; you don't really even have to jack up the car; might need a flashlight to see what you're doing.

I had a similar gremlin staryer issue once that almost drove me nuts - even replaced the starter before I found out it was that ground strap.

My battery ground looks like crap and I'm about to take a look at the other and run to the part store to get new one.

Is there a nut on the other chassis side of the ground strap?

New terminals and clean terminals when I got the new battery.

Does the ground strap on the chassis have a nut on it or something for retention other than the 13mm bolt?


Yeah I'm still here enjoying this parking garage lol. My friend lives right here luckily.

No nut. The rail is threaded or has a backing nut.

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1981 300TD 310k miles
1970 280sel 172k miles
1966 230 Fintail 162k miles

"Where are we going? And why am I in this hand basket?"

Well I replaced the batter ground and resolved the ground to chassis strap. I'm stuck still. And it's looking like a starter replacement.

Hit the starter with something.

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'84 190D 2.2 5MT (Red/Palomino) Current car. Love it!
'85 190D 2.2 Auto *Cali* (Blue/Blue) *sold*
http://badges.fuelly.com/images/sig-us/302601.png
http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/a...0/sideview.png

I did hit it. But now in not even getting a click.

Having it towed... 150 later. after roadside assistance's coverage. I need to rethink my AAA membership again.

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1982 300D Turbo 203K silver
Need to fix these leaks badly

I think my AAA costs me $82 for up to four 100 mile tows per year.
People with old cars....and my newest is 14 years old.... oldest 35... hard to beat just for feeling able to get home in a pinch and not having to try to fix away from home...

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html