PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - W124 - 1987 300TD

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- - W124 - 1987 300TD - Intermittent Starting Issue (http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=361564)

Quote:

Originally Posted by EXIT39 (Post 3402286)

Glad I saw this post just now, as I am experiencing the same thing happening. Some times it starts right up and then try again and nothing. All I might hear is a click when I turn the key off.

Some history: I have been pouring tons of time into this girl

New glow plugs
Rebuilt injectors
IP seals replaced at same time
Recent new battery
Replaced ground strap on motor
Harness wire replaced as it shorted out and I almost had a barbaque
New harness housing
New 50 AMP GP fuse
Removed and cleaned fuel tank and new strainer
All new filters
Resealed Vacuum pump
New radiator
New alternator brushes
New copper fuses

I purchase lots of stuff from Kent Bergsma (Moly, rebuild kits, hoses, connectors, tools. etc.) I know a little pricey at times but usually worth it in what you get the added knowledge you receive with the parts.

I purchased a new ignition switch. and electrical switch connector for it. But cannot seem to see how it could be even remotely possible to replace them. At this point I am totally stumped. Maybe one of you could throw me a bone here?

The 2 terminals in the fender idea would be a help for me to diagnose the starter at least. Have to work by myself on this! Some direct anyway would be a help. Stumped like Mike

Once you get her started does she then run normally for the rest of the day? Mine does, which makes it such a mystery, once she runs, she runs.

Can confirm my no-start issue was indeed the NSS.

When I push and hold the gear shifter forward and then turn the key she starts every time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike100 (Post 3405177)

Can confirm my no-start issue was indeed the NSS.

When I push and hold the gear shifter forward and then turn the key she starts every time.

It's likely that the problem is the shifter bushings.

You may "think" you're in the right position by looking at the quadrant, but the slop caused by the missing bushings allows the lever (and the switch) the be in another position....

Jim

I would get under the car and separate the linkage from the transmission.

Pull the lever on the transmission backwards all the way to the park position. Remember the transmission lever is inverted from the operator's handle, park is all the way back, 2 is all the way forward, due to the pivot point inside the shifter box.

See if the car starts normally. If so there's your problem. When you put it in park you are not pulling the transmission lever back far enough to make up the NSS contacts.

Also try 2 clicks forward to see what happens in neutral.

I really think you have a linkage adjustment problem or worn bushings. My 87 was in an accident (rear ended another car) before I owned it. I purchased it from another forum member who started fixing it and vstech and I finished it up. Until we replaced the engine and transmission mounts, replaced the shifter bushings, and recalibrated the linkage, I had major problems finding the right gears. Everything in the drive train was pushed back about an inch or 2.