Hi
I'm having problems with my 300D W123 1978 model when tring to start it. I have just had my alternator fixed with new brushes and bearings which is supposed to be running well. The problem I have is when turning over the key some times the starter motor kicks in then other times it is just dead and nothing happens. My dash lights are on. After a few turns the starter motor tries to kick over again, but I keep draining my battery. Thanks for the help in advance.

Could be a bad Solenoid itself....or a bad starter....a bad starter will draw far more current than a properly operating one.

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Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Section 609 MVAC Certified
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"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Have you checked you battery condition? Most parts houses will perform the check (for free) if you don't have the equipment. Battery's loose the CCA's after time -

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15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
97 E420 Donor Car - NEED PARTS? PM ME!
97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)

Thanks for the fast replies.
My battery should be OK as the electrician who fixed my alternator checked it out. Thanks for the suggestions on the Solenoid and possible bad starter.
Are the starter and solenoid more likely the problems, or could there be something wrong with the actual ignition key switch?

How many miles are on the car....its always possible its the ignition switch...but thats less likely in my mind...

If the starter was cranked long and hard and overheated the insulation will break down and shrt out......Lot of people kill starters due to other problems that cause a hard start.

__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
---------------------
Section 609 MVAC Certified
---------------------
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

i concur with the bonehead... more likely solinoid... i have changed the ignition switch before but solinoid more likely.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.