My 79 300sd has been real hard to start this winter and was hoping to get some ideas on things to check.
I replaced the glow plugs about a year ago- did not notice a difference.
new NAPA battery 4 mo. ago.

I turned the key to the glow plug on position a couple times and did not feel any heat (with the plugs in the block )-----is there a way to test this?

The starter motor seems to loose the flywheel .. I have to bring the key back to the off position because it just will sound like a motor running----bad starter?
I have to retry about 5-10 every morning, evenings are not usually a problem. Starts like a champ when its warm (driven in the past 2-3 hours).

can this cause damage to the flywheel?

Also puts out a nice cloud of smoke when it does start which takes about 5 min from 1st attempt to running.
Thanks in advance

check to see if you are getting voltage at the plugs when key is in glow position.
If you are, then check the resistance on each plug. Sounds like a problem in the glow system. Is your glow light working normally?

Also sounds like a bad starter.

__________________
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

Sounds to me like bad glow plugs and a bad starter like stated above by kerry.

__________________
1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg