i had to replace the starter this weekend. I had a couple of no starts recently. I got a long metal bar and tapped the solenoid from above and it started. Then one day all the beating in the world would not free the solenoid. I guess the mechanical part of the starter solenoid was worn out. It did start after sitting overnight and cooling down.

anyway, i saw some posts about having to remove steering or suspension parts. Not so., at least not on the 300TD.

I just turn the wheels to the right and I was able to turnt he starter and clear the steering linkage.

The lower 10mm allen bolt was easy...but the top bolt was hard. It had a 19mm head on it. I think someone had changed the bolt before. Most starter bolts had a reduced head. this one did not.

lifetime warranty, rebuilt bosch starter from autozone $109.99.

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1987 300TDT
1981 VW MKI Caddy 1.6 diesel, waiting on engine swap
1983 D-50 Power Ram 4x4 "Mitsubishi" 2.3 turbo diesel
assorted gas powered crap and motorcycles

RIP: 1984 300TDT, 1982 300TDT, 1984 190D 2.2, 1992 300D 2.5, 1987 300TDT, 1982 Maxima LD28, 1983 Maxima LD28, Isuzu C223 P'ups X3, 1983 Holiday Rambler 6.2 Banks turbo diesel, 1984 Winnebago LeSharo 2.1 TD, 1985 Allegro 6.5