I'm stuck on Sideling (MD) hill with a bad starter - is anyone close enough to tow me over the top so I can 'push' start it down the westbound side?

What are the symptoms of your bad starter? It may be possible to get it to work. What kind of car do you have? If it's a 123, have you tried jumping terminals 1 and 3 on the junction box on the right inner fender in front of the battery?

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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

It's an 81 300SD, I replaced the starter 2-3 months ago. I tried jumping the terminals near the alternator, no go. I also gave the starter & solenoid a whack with a small hammer. Any other ideas?

You could get on the Internet or call on the Telephone and join one of the Auto Clubs and get the free tow.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Now it seems I've got other issues- no radio, fan, etc. I still have courtesy lights, power seats with the door open tho.

From what I have read the Wire Junction/Terminal Block on the older SDs is under your Battery Tray.

If you can get at it you can jump from the Positive Battery Cable where it attaches to the Starter up to the Solenoid Terminal.

Also if during the Jumper Wire process you do not get a hot spark when you move the wires a cross the Terminals I would consider that your Battery is dead.
I had an incident where My Battery showed 12 volts but when I used jumper wires there was barely a spark. I bought a new Battery and it started right up.
Evidently the Battery had internal damage.
Also on the above incident I had no warning or had starting 10 minutes previous to the failure.
There should be a pic of the SD Wire Junction/Terminal Block below:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/260407-how-bypass-test-your-neutral-safety-switch.html

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Sounds like battery/ground issues......

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Sounds like a bad alternator or battery. See if you can start the car off of a jump. A 616 or 617 will run dead electric.

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1992 300D 2.5T 249k - Parked with a bad transmission
1981 300SD 142k - Daily driver

Thanks for the advice, Ive been reading this forum for years and received an excellent education from it.

I think the 2nd problem has to do with my ignition switch, I managed to get the power back on by pressing hard on the key while turning. I got a tow over the top of the hill and push started the car on the downhill without incident.

I re-routed my trip back to the house where I have my parts car and a warm garage, Im hoping I can still find the keys for it.

I still haven't figured out the no-start issue, as I understand it jumping terminals 2+3 will turn the starter - I've used that before, but I have a spare starter too so it's time to get my hands dirty!

A bad neutral safety switch would give a no start with no starter noise problem also...

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