123 Starter Replacement---Success!
 

This post is being written out of sheer delight that I was able to replace my starter this weekend. I read all the other threads about what a pain in the rear this project was, and I will agree with all of them. I originally tried using a 3/8 drive wrench with 20 or so inches of extension, but I was unable to get enough torque on that cursed top stud. Then when I finally finagled a 1/2 drive rig up in there, I got a good bite and got it to break free. As far as getting the old starter out from underneath the car, all I did was disconnect some sort of steering dampner that was in the way. Honestly, I don't know what it is that I disconnected, the name of it. But it was the most obvious thing to disconnect, and it was easy to do so. Popped the new one in, and she's as good as new. Thanks to everyone for all the old posts that helped me do this job myself, and save a little $$$!
Damon Fite
1983 300TD Wagon, burning diesel/veg-oil blends:cool:

Thanks for sharing the info...
 

Thanks for sharing the info...

That is what makes this site better than any repair manual...

Thanks again, and good luck.

I totally understand your jubilation. It definitely takes a fistful of extensions, u-joints and sockets along with a good way to raise the car to do the starter on the five cylinder.

That is one of the reasons I would rather work on a four. I can change the starter on a 240D in no time without raising the car. I can change the solenoid on a four cylinder car without even removing the starter.

Job well done,