Starter will not turn 89 190 e 2.6. How can I tell if it is the relay or the starter. Assuming its the starter, is it a do it yourself project. Any thoughts?

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jayhawk

It ended up being the starter. Upon inspection, the case had come apart. Getting the bolts which hold the starter to the bell housing out was the most difficult part. You need a three foot socket extention with a universal joint to get the top bolt out. I actually used several smaller extentions pieced together to reach it. You have to get under the car and behind the transmission and feed up the socket and extention over the transmission. I unpluged the starter lock out switch at the transmission and moved it to the side to get a better view up at the socket. Then, I was able to have a hand on the extension and the other up on the bolt to feel the socket go on the bolt (17mm). It took a pretty good sized breaker bar to get the bolt to release. Bottom bolt came out with a 17mm box wrench. Turn the wheels to the right to get enogh room to remove the starter.

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jayhawk

Thanks for the feedback!
I am sure a lot of people will benefit from your experience.

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J.H.
'86 300E

Jayhawk,

How did you determine that it was the starter? I am having trouble getting our '84 190E 2.3/5-spd to turn over. The battery is new and fully charged, and everything worked fine until I went out one morning and it simply wouldn't crank. The key turns fine and I hear a good loud thunk when it gets to the "start" position, as though a huge solenoid was kicking in, but no cranking. I climbed underneath the car this weekend and it looks like a real ***** to get the starter out. If it might just be a relay, I'd like to save myself a bunch of heartache. Any advice?

Best Regards,
Rob

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Robert Fini

'12 ML350 BlueTec, 87k
'06 E320CDI, 270k
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'97 C36AMG, 313k (son's)
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'93 190E Sportline LE, 168k (daughter's)
'84 190E-2.3/5spd (Stage Rally Racer)
'66 230 W110 Sedan (Barn Find, Vintage Racer build in progress)