Hi there,

I have an 81 300d sedan, non-turbo, automatic. I don't know how many miles are on it - the odometer didn't work when I bought it.

Anyways, ever since I've had it, sometimes I'd try to start it and instead of turning over, I'd get a spinning sound - probably from the starter motor. After about 4 tries it would finally catch and the engine would turn over. This has been the case for the last 2 and a half years I've had it - until recently! Now, I have to turn the key, sometimes 15 - 20 times before it finally turns over. Sometimes, during the 15 - 20 attempts, the engine would catch quickly, but not fully turn over - then the spinning sound again. Also, other times I can just turn it over the first time I try, but only 2 or 3 times, then the 15 - 20 attempts happens again.

I'm thinking of 3 possible problems - either the flywheel is missing teeth, the starter, or both. I haven't looked at the tranny or starter yet, but thought I'd check here to see if anyone else has had this problem before.

Any help would be much appreciated!!

After 2 1/2 years it could be all of them

__________________
1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

starter

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I'll also suggest the starter.

__________________
83 SD

84 CD

Sounds like a weak and/or binding bendix drive on the starter. Missing teeth on the flywheel usually makes a very embarassing loud raking noise.

__________________
81 300CD (sold) 1972 280 SEL 4.5 (sold) 1966 250 S 4 spd (sold) 1974 450 SL (sold) 86 BMW 325ES (sold), 1973 280C (sold) 1988 300 SE.

Thanks y'all. I will be taking out the starter today, so I'll update you to what the problem really is.

Thanks for the reality check, fruitcakesa! I do hope it's only the starter teeth though...It doesn't make an embarassing noise as carnut suggests, so I will be hopeful!

Thanks again everyone for your input!!


BioBlue

When you go to test the starter make sure that the shaft is popping out and not just spinning. Obviously the motor is spinning, but it isn't throwing the gear out as it should. Some auto parts stores will pop it on their little machine and test it and as long as it spins fast enouugh they'll clear it.

__________________
TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

The gear on the starter usually looks fine when the bendix drive is faulty. The gear, as you know, slides on the drive to engage then spin in away from the ring gear. Depending on the starter age, replacing just the bendix might be not the way to go. Every time I replace a starter, I put wheel bearing grease on the gear and the shaft to coat the shaft but to also make the starter a little quieter in operation. Not required, but I've had good luck by doing it.

__________________
81 300CD (sold) 1972 280 SEL 4.5 (sold) 1966 250 S 4 spd (sold) 1974 450 SL (sold) 86 BMW 325ES (sold), 1973 280C (sold) 1988 300 SE.

Hi Everyone,

It was the starter. I put a new one in on Saturday. I've started the car almost a dozen times since then and the car has turned over without a fault. I wish I would've read your suggestion about bearing grease carnut. I didn't do that, but like you said, the starter will still be fine, but perhaps a bit louder to start.

Next on the list: valve job, change out rubber on rear axles, radiator flush, and minor parts under the hood to hopefully improve vacuum system. I've noticed that whoever had my car previously left some of the vacuum system not hooked up, so I will track down where those hoses should go and try to figure out why they're not hooked up.

Thanks again everyone!! Valuable tips from all!!