I loosened the starter bolts a good amount and wiggled starter around. It did not feel like it was sticking or binding or jammed it any way. And the engine is still stuck tight as ever in both directions.

Any other thoughts or stuff to try?

IMO, I think it's time to make the call on next steps:

- Pull the heads? Seems like any damage revealed would require the engine to come out anyway.

- Pull the engine and at least take the pan off? This would need to be done if there was a repairable problem, or if a different engine goes in, since the new engine would almost certainly come from a sedan and need the pan changed.

- Cut losses and sell as a parts/project car.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe