92 300SD starts with no hesitatin when is cold, but ones its warm strugles to start. I been reading on few threads about starter giving problems when are worn out, it will take a lot of juice from the battery and eventually will drain out battery. I also suspect on the alternator if voltage regulator acting up. My question how to check starter conditions and how to check voltage regulator alternator for proper funtion before expend $$$ on either part. I also clean up battery post battery is 9 months old, replace alternator also 9 months ago, install a new ground #4 wire from the chasis to engine block check for connections at started and alternator every was tigh up. Please advise.

The "I don't wanna Start once the engine reaches Operating Temperature"
sure sounds like a Starter that needs Brushes and Cleaning.
[No One does,They just get a replacement]
(If it's Turning the motor over SLOWLY)
If you've got No Starter Engagement (Clicks or NOTHING) it MAY be connections.

'All sorts of tutorials in the Advanced Search section.
(You do not have enough Empirical information to make an Informed decision,Yet.)

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

Basstrip, the alternator should be putting 13-14.5 volts into the battey. If not I would check the brushes on the alternator. If it is not this I would replace (repair the starter)!
First make sure all connections are good!
L L L

Describe struggles to start? Starter doesnt engage? Turns slowly? Turns fast but doesnt fire? etc etc

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

An inductive ammeter placed on the positive battery wire will tell you how much amperage the starter is drawing cold and hot.

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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

That's weird, a warm engine should be easier to start unless it is partially seized after being warmed up. We need more info. What do you mean by struggles to start?

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 167,870 July 2025
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

When the vehicle is been sat for 5 minutes or more ( not over night) and turn the ignition on the stater will engage but will turn the engine very slowly until starts. few times it drains the battery out. like I say before, bettery is fairly new and alternator.

Induction of the Engine's Heat by the Aging Starter.
Carbon Buildup (From worn brushes) Exacerbates the Super High Resistance
problem.[A common problem as our Starters age and are not serviced]

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

Have battery tested. It's usually free where I live.

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1982 300SD

I check the chargiing system and my readings were 13.7 idle and 14.3 at 2000 rpm. so the problem was not the alternator or regulator. Then move in to replace the STARTER and got a rebuild exchange and I been running for two days with no hessitation to start at morning or when is warm up. Thank you guys for all your valuable info and different opinions.

Thank YOU for letting us know what was the problem when you fixed it!

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!