Hi,

So, I traded my bike for a great looking in and out 1990 300TE Wagon 4matic that wouldn't start. Aaand...

Starter:

The starter just makes a whirring noise w/ a charged battery. Bad starter? How the hell do you get it out!? (Top bolt seems to be the hardest so far)

Locked rear wheels:

In addition, the rear wheels are totally locked up, and it isn't the brakes. I can move the wheels and I notice that the drive-shaft will move about a half inch either way and then stop, locked, IN NEUTRAL, while rear-end is jacked up.

What's going on? Is this thing a total turd mechanically? Can the average bear tackle it?

Thanks!!
-Kurt

Did you try to turn the Engine a bit by hand so you change the position of the flywheel you may have some teeth not meshing properly if the stater is attempting to engage.Sounds like the parking brake shoes are applied! Maybe the cables are rusted from sitting. You stated the brake discs are free? good luck Tim

Hi,

Yeah, I rotated the engine by hand as much as I could (read- not much), still just the whirring sound!


Is there a separate parking brake system than the normal pad/calipers in the rear of the 300TE?

I could see the disc moving freely through the caliper, should I be looking somewhere else? (Front of disc?)

It is late and I am in bed, so I will check your suggestions tomorrow!

Thanks!
-Kurt

Sounds like the starter drive is drive isnt moving has this car been sitting a long time? The parking brake shoes are inside of the rear rotors you can access the adjusters thru the wheel bolt hole if possible as you cant turn the wheel it may be hard to see the star adjuster wheel is towards the rear of vehicle when looking at rotor.Also see if the cables are free! Tim

Hi,

The story goes as the PO was driving the car all winter, until one day he went out on a cold morning and it wouldn't start. That was most likely around Feb/Mar last winter. I think they bought the beast in 2005 for around 4200, and put over 1000 into it - shocks, alternator, and tensioner rod ect.

I figure this was the last straw and they wifey wanted it gone.

So, yeah...it had been sitting outside for almost a year. I'll take the wheels off, or poke around, but meanwhile I am trying to get that starter off!!!

Any hints on that end?

Thanks,
-Kurt

The starter If I remember is on the left side and the top bolt may be a little rough to get to if your on the ground! A long extension and a swivel socket is the way to go. dont forget to disconnect the battery and before you replace the starter try moving the drive gear maybe all it needs is some cleaning of the shaft and grease. Tim