Recently, I have been having starter problems on my '84 300SD. After replacing the starter 1.5 years ago, my starter has gone out again. I replaced it with a "Delco-Remy Bosch-type" due to being in a remote location and it lasted less than 6 hours! There is not even a click of the solenoid.

I have done a search and there has been the question of heat brought up. This occurred in 90+ degree heat. However, I have noticed this engine does not generate a lot of heat.

Also, the glow plug system operated fine initially after installing the starter. It gave strange symptoms after the starter failure however.

After checking things with a meter, I have a couple of questions. I noticed at the solenoid the reading is 5v in run then 12v at start, with the glow plug relay connected. With the gp relay disconnected, readings of 12v in run and 13v at start.

Has anyone heard of a glow plug relay causing shorting problems with the starter? Do I need additional heat protection for the starter?

Or, hopefully, it was a v-e-r-y premature failure for a "Delco-Remy, Bosch-type" starter.

Thanks in advance for your responses on this.