Recently my 124 has been giving me trouble starting (or should I say not starting). Acts as though the battery is weak/dead. When I attempt to start it cold after a full 40 sec. glow it only turns over once or twice then stops. If I leave it on the block heater all night it starts fine.

After a no start situation I measured the battery voltage and it was 12.4v. Load tested the batt. and it was OK. Tested the alt. output when running with all elec. equipment on, result was 14v. It appears the batt. and alt. are healthy. Glow plugs are new and all get 12v. I'm beginning to suspect the starter or a bad ground. Wouldn't a bad starter be a problem when hot?

Temp. around 25*F. Rotella 15-40. Battery terminal connections clean and tight. Warm starts are effortless. If the motor is cold, no block heater and not run in several hours = no start. Only one or two revolutions. Jumping helps this situation.

Any input is appreciated.

__________________

Muleears
'07 E320 Bluetec 133K my DD
'04 Jaguar XJ8 VDP, 34K
'10 Hyundai Accent 60K Grocery Getter
'02 VW Golf soon to be on the road again
'97 E300 Diesel Son's DD
'61 VERY tolerant wife

Hampton Roads, VA USA

Gone but not forgotten:
'67 250S 95K
'86 300SDL
'87 300D Turbo, 364K! R.I.P.
'98 E300 Turbodiesel, 213K
'02 S420, 164K
'01 Prius 138K