my '79 300sd always cranks and starts when cold, but occasionally, when hot, she not only won't start, but won't crank at all, i turn the key and nothing happens, though the dash lights come on (the glow just flickers or doesn't come on). if i open the hood and then shut it, causing vibration, it will sometimes start again, but sometimes i have to wait a half hour or so until she decides to crank again. then again, sometimes she will go for weeks without this problem, so it's hard to diagnose when it only happens occasionally.

any ideas?

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1979 300SD 190k Blue/Parchment

Pull the brown vacuum line off the shut off switch on the back of the IP, next time your in the "no start' situation. Could be the ignition switch is faulty and wont allow the rack return to the start position.

Are you sure your starter motor is turning fast enough when its hot (100 rpm)?

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
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"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"