For a while now it would take a few attempts to start my 83 240D. Recently though, it's gotten to the point where it takes a dozen or so turns of the key before the car finally starts. Most of the time it just whirrs, and a few times the engine will start to turn a little, and then give out.


This is a starter problem right? I replaced the glow plugs and battery less than 6 months ago.

assuming this is the case, i have the day off friday so i was planning on replacing the starter. offhand what kind of tools do i need? ive got a lot, just want to make sure i've got anything i could possibly need.

That sounds like a gummed up or failing starter solenoid.

You should be happy with a new starter.




Have a great day.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
https://whunter.carrd.co/

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
2003 Volvo V70

https://www.boldegoist.com/

Easy job on a 240 (not as tight as on a 300) Make sure you disconnect the battery before you start. If I remember right, I got one of the bolts from below and the other from above.

Will make a world of difference starting. Also...make sure you get the higher rated starter for the 300D as opposed to the 240D - they spin faster. Some reman companies only make them to the 300D spec anyway - just check it out.

__________________
'85 300D - 206K (sold)
'81 240D - 149K (sold)
'03 Jetta TDI - (sold)
'79 300D - (sold)

Really easy on the 240D. Can do the job in under an hour easily. Took mine out from below. Had to maneuver it a bit to get it out/in, but it wasn't too bad at all.

Len
'83 240D 345,000 miles original owner

Well I spent all day on it and I didn't finish. The first hurdle was half of the old starter's bracket breaking off. Took a while to unscrew the lose half from the cable that connects to the battery.

Then I hit a wall trying to install the new starter...the top engine mount bolt doesnt want to go in all the way. It gets to where theres about 1/4 an inch left to go and it's too tight to continue, even with a breaker bar. Bottom one goes in no problem. I tried switching bolts, re-positioning the starter, cleaning the bolt threads and the starter threads, all with no luck. It started raining so I had to give up.

Am I doing some thing wrong, or did I just get a poorly threaded rebuild? Does anyone have any suggestions?

Is it a Bosch rebuild?

Len