My new to me 84 300 TD has a couple issues that I think are related. 1. Sometimes I get nothing when I turn the key unless I mess with the shifter in the park position. And 2. When I'm driving at certain high speeds, under load I hear a rapid ticking noise, almost like valves but a little more plasticy. I noticed the other day that if I pull back just a little bit on the shifter the noise goes away. Hopefully this is some simple cable or linkage adjustment.

You might take a look at your shifter bushings. If worn, the tranny will not be in exactly the right position and will not crank. Easy repair but remember to soak the new plastic bushings in very hot water to make them a bit more flexible before replacing.

Or it could be the NSS. Neutral safety switch. If you can move the shifter up and down and find a sweet spot before the starter engages, this might be your problem.

In a pinch you can open the hood and use two screwdrivers with the jump box. It is located on the right side below the alternator. Just flip the plastic lid and connect two of the screws with two screwdrivers. Maybe the left most screw called #1 and #3.

Let us know.

Thank you. After looking into it, it seems like it would be the lower bushings. Does soaking them in hot water negate the need for the specialty bushing pliers?
Any idea how this could be causing that ticking sound?

Soaking works. You do not need to purchase special pliers.

It has been at least 15 years so I do not quite remember - but I may have started a bushing and then pressed it in with a pair of channel lock pliers and a piece of wood. In any event you can do it.

Parts are ordered. Cheap enough that I figure I'll just get them and service them rather than crawl up under the car to make sure I need them first. Sounds like as good a place to start than any.

Agree.

Yes, it sure does. You've thought of the correct home based boiling water method of getting the plastic pliable. See if there's ticking after new bushing.

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

30 years since I did my 83 300SD. My bought new 26 year old '99 E300 that my brother now has needs it now too.

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

i just did the job, bought this $20 tool: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9TF1ZB4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title, would not have wanted to do it without it

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78 240d: Mona
81 240D: Lola
77 toyota chinook: Carlito
93 chevy k1500: Cowboy

I bought the blue handled 33buck bushing installer. It was a bendy POS. I remember it was so bad, it cut the first bushing I tried to install. Anyone doing this job should buy a spare bush or two. If you have it, you won't need it.