my 1980 mercedes diesel 300 td has start issues. I ve been driving it by using two screwdrivers to jump from battery to the wire to the starter and it cranks right up. changed out ignition switch but no change. what else could it be ? thanks

Poor connections somewhere. It's not an unusual problem, you'll find a fair number of posts on the topic if you search here. Some people think it is a result of drops in voltage through old connections and have installed a relay next to the battery and activate the relay through the ignition switch which then sends full voltage to the starter circuit. There's a picture here somewhere of such an installation.

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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

I think it was DIESEL911 that did it with a Ford relay.

charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Neutral transmision switch is in the starter primary circuit. When you say you changed the ignition switch out I assume you mean the electrical portion and not just the key tumbler?

To establish low solinoid voltage versus no voltage. Read the voltage on the starter terminal you short to with the ignition turned to the cranking position. May take a hand from someone and a voltmeter to do the test. Get you pointed in the right direction though.

have you tried to start in Neutral?

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1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.