300SD still wont start

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anahataray - 13 Oct 2006 20:37 GMT

My 83 300SD has a problem of not starting sometimes. It only happens after
long trips(30 miles or more)
and it has left me stranded a few times. After about an hour it will start,
so I was told it was the neutral safety
switch. I replaced that and I still have the same problem. When I turn the
key absolutely nothing happens,
so I try shifting through the gears and still nothing. Please help!

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T.G. Lambach - 13 Oct 2006 23:17 GMT

The clue to the problem is the time element. Starter motors that are
defective when hot - 30+ miles use - work again after cooling down.

Next time rap the starter and it may spring into action. That will be
the confirmation that it ought to be replaced.

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Richard Sexton - 14 Oct 2006 03:38 GMT

>My 83 300SD has a problem of not starting sometimes. It only happens after
>long trips(30 miles or more)
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>key absolutely nothing happens,
>so I try shifting through the gears and still nothing. Please help!

When you say you turn the key and absolutely nothing happens do you mean the
glow plug light does not come on?

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anahataray - 14 Oct 2006 06:13 GMT

>>My 83 300SD has a problem of not starting sometimes. It only happens after
>>long trips(30 miles or more)
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>When you say you turn the key and absolutely nothing happens do you mean the
>glow plug light does not come on?

glow plug light does come on, but no noise of any kind, no turn or click

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Richard Sexton - 14 Oct 2006 06:57 GMT

>>>My 83 300SD has a problem of not starting sometimes. It only happens after
>>>long trips(30 miles or more)
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>>
>glow plug light does come on, but no noise of any kind, no turn or click

Hmm.... usually a starter will make *some* noise if it's not starting
elthough complete and utter failure is not unknown.

I'd suss out that neutral safety switch first though. Bypass is with a
soldered connection and see if that has any effect.

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Tiger - 17 Oct 2006 17:56 GMT

I would suspect the starter too... but can do quick test to verify if it is
the starter... with a remote start... you can hook up positive to battery
and the other wire to the purple wire by the passenger side engine bay where
you see strip of wires into a strip connector.

Another possibility is bad ignition switch... does it have a strong return
from trying to crank? Does it feels funny?

The last possibility is bad overload relay... but this should not prevent
you from cranking... it will however prevent you from starting on gas
engine... not sure on diesel.

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