Ok, this one is new to me. 300sdl, 87 w/ 377k and climbing runs great!..but this time would not crank. 40's all day here. Hesitated to crank at noon, but started. Went out at around 3 and would not crank. Car had all warning lights, glow plugs worked..so assumed 3.5yr old battery. Took battery to two parts places and both said probably - shows 12.6 volts. Bought battery and installed; turned key-same thing. Will not crank; no click like solenoid, but all other electrics work. Tried gear in neutral/ back to park (safety switch ???) but no difference. Car is sitting in drive awaiting friendly tow truck. Anyone have any guesses? Possibly starter?..I did notice an-almost-alternator-bearing-whine last few times car was running, right after start. Open to suggestions/ guesses?

love my car and this one is a new one on me.

THX

The whine could be the starter gear engaged, and starter is toast.

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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 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

ouch..but why would if have started twice today and then not?
any idea of how to check?

thx!

Jump the terminals in the box on the passengers side in the engine compartment and see if the starter turns.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.