1985 300CD: Replace solenoid while rebuilding starter?

[5cylinder]

For my 1985 300CD-T (California)...

I'm nearly all studied up on (and soon approaching) rebuilding the original Bosch starter (model 0 001 362 047) that has 216,000 miles on it.
Yes, I've de-installed and installed a starter on a 123 California turbo before

So, I'm wondering...
Any wisdom in replacing the solenoid while I'm rebuilding the starter?

Neither the solenoid or the starter sound/operate as though they are failing, but still, 216,000 miles over 33 years...anyone would get tired.

Thoughts? Advice? Experience?

Thanks good M-B folks!

[tyl604]

Old proverb - if it's not broke, don't fix it.

My SD is 37 years old and still has the original starter. I will never consider replacing it if it gives me no problem.

[5cylinder]

Originally Posted by tyl604

Old proverb - if it's not broke, don't fix it.
My SD is 37 years old and still has the original starter.

I agree. Admittedly, I'm getting cold feet: 216,000 miles, 33 years old, and I just have this sense that I have gotten my money's worth and airplane-maintenance-philosophy: Replace the well worn part before inopportune failure (I don't have a second car to rely upon).

Originally Posted by tyl604

I will never consider replacing it if it gives me no problem.

I realize that you probably didn't mean just this, however...I'm choosing to rebuild and not replace because I have more confidence in rebuilding than the quality of a rebuilt from Mexico or wherever. Plus, side note: I have had a devil of a time finding a rebuilt for the 300CD California (trap oxidizer). Actually, I have found none except for a cool $800 for (supposedly) new from M-B

[my83300cd]

The 83 cd had the original starter on it when we drove it onto the trailer, never had any issues with it. Lots more miles than your 85.

[5cylinder]

Originally Posted by my83300cd

The 83 cd had the original starter on it when we drove it onto the trailer, never had any issues with it. Lots more miles than your 85.

You and tyl604 are conspiring against me! LOL.
I jest.

But I'll go ahead and jump in hip deep:
So you think that 216,000 miles and 33 years on an original Bosch starter on my 85 CD is a non-issue if the starter and solenoid seem to work fine?

[barry12345]

A large part of the lifespan of these starters. In my opinion is highly depends on how quick the engine catches. That is part of the reason I want the fuel supply system kept in good condition. Also this may extend the battery life.

The state of it can matter. Logically if their is not much time for the solenoid contacts to heat up. They should survive a lot longer. Plus brush wear and even bearing wear almost have to be less.

These starters were designed for a pretty rugged duty cycle. I doubt they would see it in California unless the engine situation had issues. I believe the original solenoid although expensive. Is far better replacement than the aftermarket ones.

On a German rebuilt starter. I want to always see a new solenoid of the good brand. Or I will not take the starter home. I learnt this lesson on volkswagon starters.

Preemptive reconditioning hits on parts are a matter of individual choice. Before buying a typical rebuilt in Mexico starter or alternator for example. I would consider just getting one from an auto wrecker. Not to save money but the gamble is it will stay in service longer than a Mexican rebuilt is getting more sound all the time.

There are huge amounts of very substandard and cheap parts available to rebuilders. Since the parts chains want to source them as cheaply as possible. You have a pretty good ideal of what you are getting with Mexican rebuilt units..

[5cylinder]

Originally Posted by barry12345

A large part of the lifespan of these starters. In my opinion is highly depends on how quick the engine catches.

The engine catches just fine. Check.

Originally Posted by barry12345

These starters were designed for a pretty rugged duty cycle. I doubt they would see it in California unless the engine situation had issues.

West coast car. Confession: I treat the car so well that I should probably receive professional psychological help for it...
Shell Rotella T4 every 3,000 miles (I know, hurt me), OEM air, fuel, power steering, transmission and oil filters, annual brake system flushes, Diesel Purge every 5,000 miles, valves adjusted every 15,000 miles, power steering flush every 15,000 miles, transmission service every 15,000 miles, coolant every 2.5 years, v-belts every 4 years, brake hoses every 6 years, glow plugs slacking on the job quickly get the heave-ho, blah, blah, blah. I could get a life.

Originally Posted by barry12345

On a German rebuilt starter. I want to always see a new solenoid of the good brand.

Makes perfectly good sense.

Originally Posted by barry12345

There are huge amounts of very substandard and cheap parts available to rebuilders. Since the parts chains want to source them as cheaply as possible. You have a pretty good ideal of what you are getting with Mexican rebuilt units..

Yes. I have located an all Bosch kit should I proceed with rebuilding. Admittedly, I'm having faith that a Bosch kit is a good choice.

Thanks for the excellent points.

[tyl604]

Agree. My '81 300SD - I am original owner - has always started in almost less than a second. Does that now with 269,000 miles. So the starter has not really had a lot of extra use.

And I agree about the new replacement parts now days. I put in an India made stop valve (goes in the back of the injection pump) about a year ago and it only lasted about four or five months. Original lasted 36 years. Got another from a junk car and it has given me no more problem.

I worry about buying another Mercedes because of all the computers and the reported drop in quality. My Lexus seems to be a better car than the new MB's but nothing will ever compare in quality to the SD.

My two cents.

[5cylinder]

Originally Posted by tyl604

I worry about buying another Mercedes because of all the computers and the reported drop in quality. My Lexus seems to be a better car than the new MB's but nothing will ever compare in quality to the SD.

I agree. Hence the nearly fanatical upkeep of my 300CD.

Thanks for your thoughts on this thread.

[Clemson88]

If you think you can rebuild the starter correctly and produce one which you predict to last longer than leaving it alone, go for it.

I rebuilt two steering gear boxes which had never shows any signs of issue or leaked a drop of PS fluid. I have two backup CCamps which I went through using JamesDean's instructions. I also did the one I'm putting in the car.

I follow advise here if I ask a question.

[Diseasel300]

The starter motor itself is extremely robust. What usually fails is the solenoid, wiring connections, or the bendix. If you're just paranoid about it, throw a new solenoid on it and move on with life. DO NOT GREASE THE SOLENOID PLUNGER. Otherwise, leave well enough alone.

[MCallahan]

If you are concerned, snag one from a junkyard, rebuild and put it on a shelf. If you need it, it's there. My concern would be getting parts as good as came in it originally. Even if the job is done right and you replace everything, modern sub-standard parts might make it more failure prone than it is, even at its advanced age.

[5cylinder]

Originally Posted by Diseasel300

The starter motor itself is extremely robust. What usually fails is the solenoid, wiring connections, or the bendix. If you're just paranoid about it, throw a new solenoid on it and move on with life. DO NOT GREASE THE SOLENOID PLUNGER. Otherwise, leave well enough alone.

Good to know, got it. Not paranoid enough to do just the solenoid. Thanks-

[5cylinder]

Originally Posted by MCallahan

If you are concerned, snag one from a junkyard, rebuild and put it on a shelf. If you need it, it's there.

Intriguing idea.

Originally Posted by MCallahan

My concern would be getting parts as good as came in it originally. Even if the job is done right and you replace everything, modern sub-standard parts might make it more failure prone than it is, even at its advanced age.

An *outstanding* point!
Thanks-

[MCallahan]

I considered changing out my starter while I had the transmission out. It was squalling a little after start. Instead, I squirted sime heavy way oil in the outer bushing, slathered some grease on the pinion shaft and then wiped a little grease on the ring gear. Shut it right up.

I hear ya on the "fix it before it strands me" aviation way of thinking, but it's not giving you trouble right now, and no signs of impending doom.