78 450SEL No start

[WyoJeeper]

I have a 1978 450SEL 116 4.5V8. Last night it wouldnt start, turn the key and nothing. 250K miles, not sure if the fuel pump has been replaced. I hear the fuel pump kick on when I turn the key. The starter doesnt engage. Also does it need fuel pressure to be at a certain point to turn over? I think I have a pump or hose leak. My first Benz. If I cant get it running its going away cheap.
Thanks
Rick

[Tomguy]

It would crank regardless of fuel pressure. You have either: A loose battery terminal (check your interior light - does it go out when you try to crank?) or a bad starter or starter solenoid (built on to the starter). Try tapping the starter with a hammer 2 or 3 times, then starting. If it cranks, it's your starter and/or solenoid.

[WyoJeeper]

Thanks, thats exactly what it was. Damn starter.
Rick

[Mike D]

Atta boy there Tomguy! Now THAT'S some old school stuff! Don't work? Hit it widda hammer!

[Tomguy]

Mike: When my solenoid started sticking, I didn't have time to replace it right away (I was in college) so for ~3 weeks, I did the hammer trick. Finally I got peeved enough, and got up early on a Sat AM and picked up a starter Luckily for me, the car I yanked it off of (a 420SEL) had already had the bellhousing and tranny removed AND the lines to the starter cut. It was laying by the engine. A nearly new unit at that, too!