I am still trying to determine if my starter or key switch is bad. I have read other post that say you just short the wires on the fender but I am not clear on which ones. I have a terminal block with 3 connections (2 bigger screws and then 1 smaller screw) Which ones do you short when the key is in the running position?

Thanks.

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85 300D Turbo

You can touch the hot side of the starter solenoid to the engage or switch post on the solenoid. Just make sure that you dont touch anything else with the tool that you use or it will cause large sparks and make really bad shorts.

Where on the terminal block?

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85 300D Turbo

I believe it's the first and third under the plastic cover on the terminal block ont he right front inner fender in front of the battery.

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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

Correct, here's a pic of the box.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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83 SD

84 CD

Thanks for the info and the picture.

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85 300D Turbo

You will also want to disable the vacuum shut off on the back side of the injector pump. Just disconnect the vacume line to the shut off. It is the approx 2" diameter round metsl cylinder on the back of the injector pump with a tube coming out of the center.

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Sedecrem

82 300SD 290k(needs engine swap)
79 240D 354k with new heart transplant w/220k
82 240D w/auto tranny soon to be manual 4 speed

Will I still need to disable the vacuum shut off with the key turned in the running position?

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85 300D Turbo

No, the vacuum should be OK if you can turn the key to the run position.

oh sure the engine will run and you can shift it into gear, but you cant drive anywhere but in a straight line after the steering wheel locks up. lol.

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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?

As long as they would add one additional commandment for you to keep thy religion to thyself.
George Carlin (Wonder where he is now..)

1981 240d (engine donor 1983 240d) recently rebuilt engine hurray! - No more.. fought a tree and the tree won.

pearl black 1983 240d 4speed (Converted!@$$%) atleast the tranny was rebuilt.

If you read the original post, he has an electrical issue, nothing to do with the mechanical part of the switch or the steering lock.

I don't mean to hijack, but is there a way to operate the glow plugs without using the key? Example, 83 300TD.

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-Randy Wakefield

1969 220D 4 speed (parts car)
1976 280C
1976 280S
1981 240D 4 speed (parts car)
1982 300D
1983 300TD (Ivory)
1983 300TD (gold)
1985 300TD (gray)
1987 190D 2.5
1970 280SEL (sold)
1977 240D 4 speed (sold)
1974 280 (rusted to death)
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1927 Chevy 4 door sedan
1938 Chevy 2 door sedan
1950 Willys Jeepster
1955 Studebaker President 4 door
1977 Ford F250
1979 Glastron 17'
1948 John Deere A
1960 John Deere 2010
1979 Satoh S650G
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2000 Bichon (Doby)

I've never done it, but I guess you could run a jumper directly from the battery to each of the GPs.

Yeah, that's how you check to see if they're working, one at a time, while outside of the engine. If that's what you're trying to determine.

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83 SD

84 CD

Is it wise to discuss this openly?