I want to thank all of you who helped me with my non-starting problem. My 1983 300SD would not start (only in neutral sometimes). I saved a lot of money and time by using all the recomendations I received here and narrowing the problem down to the neutral saftey switch. I replaced it yesterday and the car fires up every time.

I also applied for my high milage badge (270,000 now on the car). I am a little late but my 500,000 mile badge will get here quicker.

The back bolt on the switch was the toughest bolt I ever had to deal with. Not because it would not come out but because I could not get my hand in there to take it out or put it in. It is in a blind spot which did not help. I finally had to tape the bolt onto the 10mm socket with masking tape to start it. A little sore from the driveway but hdd alot of fun.

Two questions to get the job perfect

1) It seems that my gear shift is a little off. What is the best way to align it?
2) I saw a spring about 4 or 5 inches from the neutral saftey switch wiring plug that seem to look like the type used on the inside of a hose. It was only two inches long and did not seem to go anywhere. Does anyone know what this is?

Thanks again.