Starter replaced, starts better than ever! I wanted the Bosch, but for $110 less I had to go with an autolite reman w/lifetime warranty. Anyway, good to go now. Thanks for the tips.

A question about starting, but about glow plugs. Is it always necessary to glow before starting? I used to work on a ranch and operated a little Kubota, and that thing just wouldn't start w/o glowing. The MB will, but it cranks a little longer before starting - I think...perhaps I haven't had it long enough to make a fair evaluation. Anyhow, is i t necessary or should it start w/o glowing if compression is decent?

BTW, what is compression ratio on 617's?

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79 300D 238K mi