Replaced starter in the 80 300d sedan last night with a JY starter. Immediately noticed that it seemed to turn slower than the previous one. but the car started right up. Today, the more I drove and stopped and started the harder it was to start (longer cranking and having to give it fuel). Eventually I thought I was going to run the battery down. Took 15 seconds + of cranking + foot to the floor to get her going. Let it set for a couple hours and it started back up quickly.

Fuel filters are new. fuel lines up front are new. switched to b100 a tank ago.

old style primer pump.

im going to check fuel lines at the tank and replace primer pump with new. probably change the fuel filters again too. the opaque filter looks like it may be gunked up from the tank and lines getting a b100 cleansing.

I really dont want to replace the starter again.

Opinions ?

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1996 E300 110,000
1985 300TD 212,000
1980 300D 238,000

If it's cranking slower, it will start harder. It is probably also drawing more current.

Good luck starting this winter if you don't replace it with a good one.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

I have not had a starter 'heat soak' problem on 123s like I experienced on Ford pickups.

Since you just replaced it look to some of your work. Carfefully re-examine the high current lugs which supply power to the starter.

Explicity examine the ground return strap.

If it is cranking slow try a jumper bypass for the above high current runs using a jumper cable.

Finally never forget the new starter could be faulty.....

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Dionysius

Think I'm in starter replacement denial. Car started fine hot. I put in a used starter. Now the car doesn't start right hot. Seems pretty straight forward. I just don't want to do it again. For the record the reason I replaced the original is that sometimes it would just freewheel, & then started to freewheel with clacking, so I figured I better replace it while there was still time. Again it starts fine when it's cool

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1996 E300 110,000
1985 300TD 212,000
1980 300D 238,000

Did you see my posting????

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Dionysius

..........but, that's exactly what you're going to do...........

The dangers of McParts............

yes but seems like loose connections would make it not start right all the time
I know i'm in denial

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1996 E300 110,000
1985 300TD 212,000
1980 300D 238,000

There is a shop here that repairs starters & alternators etc. I've used them since the mid 70s. They are less expensive than the reman trash that's on the market & stand behind their work.

I went through the same thing once. Bought a bargain rebuild from EBay. Didn't last long. Have had very good success with the Bosch rebuilds sold through the WorldPac system (Fastlane).

I now have all the tools to make the job a little easier. Long thin extension. Universal joint. Hex-bit socket.



Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

I agree, unless you enjoy the practice of replacing starters, Bosch rebuilts are the way too go.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

You can load test the starter when hot with an inductive ammeter on the starter cable. I'm guessing its pulling a lot of amps when hot compared to when cold. Might work fine in the winter

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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 may actually be fuel related. heck of a coincidence. today, when it wouldn't start shortly after i got to work, i pumped the heck out of the primer pump and she fired up without too much of a fight. i guess im chasing an air leak

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1996 E300 110,000
1985 300TD 212,000
1980 300D 238,000

Could be that your old starter turned the engine fast enough to get more ooomph out of your lift pump, overcoming the air leak.

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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

Probably not it, but when I swapped my trans, I had to take those two big bolts holding the starter out and I didn't put 'em back in tight enough. It cranked really slowly and didn't start, but I didn't try more than cranking for a few seconds. Just tightened up those bolts real tight and it was back to normal. It's worth a shot.

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1983 240D 3.0T 4-speed manual, now sold

1989 Subaru GL Wagon 5-speed Touring Edition