Is it the Starter?

[Jordan]

It has now happened twice (months apart) so I am wondering if the starter or solenoid are starting to go?  I turn the key, the red light comes on the dash, I can hear the fuel pump running but then I get nothing.  Just a click and then nothing.  First time I waited ten minutes and eventually I could hear the motor trying to turn over, no doubt flooded, and got it started.  The second time I got someone to give me a push and I popped the clutch and it started.  Again took a few minutes as it was flooded but it started and I drove home.  Both times this occurred at a gas station after filling up.  I think this is just coincidence since I have filled up at other times and there was no problem.

I did a search and it sounds like my starter and/or solenoid needs replacing.  But before I go ahead and order a replacement I thought I would ask the group if this sounds like the problem.  I also read that I should maybe get a higher hp starter if I am going to replace it.  Am I travelling down the right road?  Is there some way I can test the starter?  Could it be something else?     This is only the second time this has happened (last time was August) but I don't want it to leave me stranded somewhere in the future.  I have a late model 230SL.  The battery is new and fully charged.  Thanks.
Marcus

 

[mdsalemi]

If these parts have not been worked on by you in recent memory, anything is suspect.

Good idea to check the integrity of the long "+" battery cable as well as your ground cable.  Check both ends; clean thoroughly.
You can remove the starter, and take it to an auto electric place; a good one will check it out for you for nominal cost.  If bad, you can have it rebuilt or easily swap for a Bosch factory rebuilt.  If you replace the solenoid ensure it is an OEM or factory unit.

That's a start with the parts you suspect.

[Jordan]

Thanks Michael.  I have only had the car 2 years and have never touched the starter.  I recently replaced the battery and the + terminal connection to the battery.  It is one of those clamp type, which I recall reading someone did not recommend, but it is all I could do for now.  I noticed at PUB many others had the clamp type so didn't give it much thought.  I will check the connections at the starter and the ground.  If those are good I guess I move to the starter and solenoid.  Do I need to go to the 1.4hp over the 0.9?  I am not sure if this is even applicable.  Again thanks for your quick reply.
Marcus

[DaveB]

I think the 1.4 HP Bosch SR59x may be the only one you can buy off the shelf nowadays anyway. According to all reports it is a good upgrade. If yours is original yes I believe it would be 0.9 HP. You can test the starter by seeing if you have 12V at the starter then shorting the starter terminals. But if the problem is intermittent then a positive result (i.e. starter functions when shorted) would not rule out a starter or solenoid problem. As Michael says, best to remove it and get it tested professionally. You can also check the teeth on the starter and ring gear when it's out.