Starter doesn't turn over
 

Help!
My 1980 300sd won't start, the starter doesn't crank, I've tried jumping it (and its in the Safeway parking lot still). For a couple of months the ignition had begun to develop a lag between the time when the key is turned and actual response from the starter. (two or three seconds.) Now there is nothing! Help please before I'm towed away!

dcjasper, OR

starter
 

try to pour hot water over the area behind the engine block where the starter is located. wait 5 mins then turn the key, Im having this same issue in cold weather. Above 40 degrees it will hesitate the starter about 3 seconds then start right up. Below 40 i have to pour hot water in that area then it starts. I have no clue why or what is going on