have a very strange start / no start issue, even though i've got a good new battery.

my '85 300td hasn't been run for awhile, due to a looong head job, but now she's back in action except for a strange starter / ignition issue:


when turning the key, she

SOMETIMES will just click from the solenoid, with no start. It can happen 10 times in a row, and then maybe she'll start fine.

SOMETIMES will start fine but the starter continues running even after the key is released. I can only make her stop by disconnecting the battery, and the starter motor will usually start right back running if i reconnect the cable...even with the gearshift in another position/gear. This is the situation I'm currently in...If i connect the battery ground, the starter engages, even with the ignition "off".

SOMETIMES I can turn the key and get a click, and get her to start by slowly moving the gearshift in/out of the Neutral position. But I hear her click on/off multiple times as I move the shifter, and it kind of seems like rather than a NSS problem, she's starting simply because by moving the gearshift back and forth I'm sending multiple signals to the starter...as if i was just turning the key off/on lots of times.

I've cleaned the little terminals on the firewall, and no change.
I've removed the starter and had it tested at NAPA...it passed and worked fine on the bench.
It kindof seems like the key switch doesn't move or release as freely as my other Mercedes....

thoughts?
tests?
diagnosis?

__________________
-lee
'83 300CDT (286k)

former proud owner of:
'85 mercedes euro 300TD
'80 mercedes 300TD
'77 mercedes 280e
'80 mercedes euro 250
'82 mercedes euro 250