Don't use the key on your trip to Seattle. Just start it from the junction box under the hood. Or if you don't want to pop the hood every time to start it run a remote start switch out thru the cowl where it can remain or into the passenger compartment.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13