Hi Carole, check on the injection pump and make sure that the lever which the starting cable attaches to will move freely. Im thinking something is binding up at the injection pump end, or the cable is seized.

Im very glad to hear that you have had the car so long and intend to keep it, I love hearing stories like that.

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg