It sounds like your starter solenoid is sticking on. If this happens a few times you may end up overspeeding your starter to the point of ruining a good core. Best bet is to replace with a genuine Bosch rebuilt.

These use a 10mm hex wrench to remove. Get a good quality allen socket and make sure the bolts are not full of road grime, the last thing you want to do is to strip the socket heads out.

These starters are attached with bolt heads facing the rear of the car, and you may need to go over the top of the tranny to get the top one. Take your time, or have a tech do it for 1 hr labor-- that's what mine charged me on my 300D Turbo.

__________________
Nate Stanley
(Currently Benzless)
1985 F-250 6.9l 170K
2009 SCION XB 36.5K
2003 LS430 78K
2012 Kubota B 2320

Hi all,

Immediately after resolving a "cold start" problem, (thanks to the good advice of this forum) I began hearing a noise after startup.

The noise turned out to be my starter. This morning the noise came again, I turn the car off and the noise continued coming from the starter. (souneded like the starter motor was continuing to run) this went on for at least 5 minutes.

I took a short handled hammer and whacked it once and she shut off.
I started the car again, and the noise was NOT present this time.

Is it time for a new starter? I think this one is original.

(1982 240d, 186,000)

I have done many starter replacements in the past, but never on MB,
Is the job straight forward? Any advice?

Also, this car does not have a BLOCK Heater. I would love to install one. I understand MB heaters are located behind the starter.

An MB shop owner told me that there may be some risk of cracking the block while removing the freeze plug.
Anybody have any experiece/stories or thoughts on this?
The job would be done with the car on ramps, (on my cold driveway)

Aside from informing my wife of the needed repair funds, the block heater job concerns me a bit.

It sounds to me that the solenoid is starting to go.
I don't know if FastLane sells solenoids, but I got mine at AutoPartsGiant.com for $32 shipped.
Removal/Install of the starter on your 240D will not be difficult since you can reach both mounting bolts without an extension.

Now this is just my opinion.

I would recommend letting a pro do this one. I paid 1.5 hours to have mine put in, 100 bucks. I tried and tried but could not get any leverage on those bolts. You could remove the turbo but that is not fun either.

Some things are cheaper and easier with allowing the pros do it.

I tried for about 4 hours then gave up. Called the mechanic and for 100 bucks I let him do it.


Good luck


BOB C

It's not a turbo (1982 240d) AND it only has four cylinders so there is much more room to work than on the 300D. Seriously, you can reach both starter bolts with ease and probably have the thing out in 15 minutes.

thanks for the tips and encouragement!

Yea, unfortunately it is turbo-less.

Actually I think the starter job will be smooth, I am, however, floundering about whether or not to try to install a block heater.
I understand I must remove the freeze plug behind the starter.

that sounds easy, but someone told me that there may be some risk of cracking the block.

sure would be nice to have a warm engine in the am, though...

You can do it! It may help to unbolt the transmission mount to gain more access to the 10mm allen bolts that hold the starter in place. Make sure you have about 2 feet of extenders and a universal. I recommend using 3/8 drive to save space. 1/2 drive could be bulky. The manuals all say to unbolt part of the steering assembly to get the starter out of the car but I found another way. 1) Put the car on two jackstands, you will need to anyway to work 2) Leave the drivers side tire on when you prep for the job. 3) Turn the key so the steering unlocks. 4) Wrap you legs around the drivers side tire and use your hips to gently maneuver the steering back and so you can get the starter out. You will need to turn it upside down.

It's a very laborous task but you can do it. I could not get the job done for less than $400 including the parts so I had to get serious.

__________________
1982 300D Turbo "Helga"
380,000 miles

The 240D has an iron block that probably is pretty safe as far as removing the freeze plug is concerned unless the block already has some problems. I also wouldn't try it on a block that's outside and stone cold in 30 degree weather. Start with a warm engine and you may want to heat the freeze plug a bit more as well. I wouldn't overdo it but I'd give it a go. Let us know how it turns out.

__________________
LRG
1987 300D Turbo 175K
2006 Toyota Prius, efficent but no soul
1985 300 TDT(130K miles of trouble free motoring)now sold

Thanks Boyz,
That is great info.
I will let you know how I do.
It may be a week or so,
I ordered the STARTER today, however while I was undecided about going with a Bosch or local reputable re-man plant.(Precision)
I spoke to a frind MB mechanic who recommended a "new" higher speed unit. (Spose to turn engine over faster) Made in eastern Europe. $195.00 says he's never had one come back. I went with it. Wish I could tell you the name, can't remember right now. fogot to take my gingo too.

thanks, again.

Listen to dzldog. The 240D starter is a piece of cake to replace. The 300D starter is just the opposite, it's a real PITA.

On the four cylinder you can reach the top starter bolts without getting under the car.

The 240D is much, much, much easier to work on, at least under the hood, than the five cylinder cars. This is why I wouldn't take three nice 300D's in any condition for a good manual transmission, manual window, manual sunroof, and manual a/c controlled 240D. This is my own opinion, and I'm not throwing rocks at those who like their five cylinders. To me, one of the biggest attraction of the 123 diesels is the ease of service. The five cylinder takes away much of this ease of service.

My $0.02,

You should have tested the starter outside the car and considered solenoid replacement. You could have saved over $150!