Fixed a starting problem I've had for several months.

[su8pack1]

Turned the key and just the solenoid click. Checked connections, looked good, battery fully charged. I put in my rebuilt original starter which I replaced over 30 years ago with a new one. Still nothing. Changed the ignition switch, still nothing. That switch is not a fun job. Then I ran a wire from the battery with a push button switch in between, turned the key and pressed the button and she started. I had it starting so I left that button switch in for a while, while doing other things. By turning the key and pressing the button at the same time the cold start valve was doing its thing and all was well. Last night I got serious and started cleaning all contacts and when I wire brushed and scraped all the contact surfaces on the junction block attached to the passenger side of the oil pan I had it, That wire ran from the starter to junction block then into a wiring loom that I assume goes to the ignition switch. Now all is well again. A little corrosion build up over the last 47 years caused some resistance there and contact was lost.

[MichaelB.]

Bravo!

Great to hear success stories.

[cfm65@me.com]

Yes, I agree, changing the ING switch is not funny. I still have nightmares about changing the ignition switch on a 230SL I owned 30 years ago. Replacing the plastic heater controls is also a caracter building exercise.
Regards
Chris

[su8pack1]

Yes, I agree, changing the ING switch is not funny. I still have nightmares about changing the ignition switch on a 230SL I owned 30 years ago. Replacing the plastic heater controls is also a caracter building exercise.
Regards
Chris

Those heater controls are not fun either. When I was doing the ignition switch I replaced the heater controls for the second time. Now I don't even want to touch them.

[Cees Klumper]

If I may ask, what is the main issue with either? I ask because I face both tasks soon ...
Is it accessibility?

[su8pack1]

If I may ask, what is the main issue with either? I ask because I face both tasks soon ...
Is it accessibility?

Getting your hands in there to do the work is the problem. The ignition switch attaches to the back of the key tumbler and you're working blindly backwards, and you need to reach in through the gauges location to work on everything. You also need to pull the radio and speaker for replacing the heater controls. Al least that's the easiest way I found. The picture is from the first time I did the job.

[Larry & Norma]

Great post, I get the exact same problem intermittently so now I know where to look.

Great site this 

[waltklatt]

su8pack1,
Did you have to drop the steering column too?

I had to drop mine on several older MB's to wriggle the ignition out of the lock pin shaft.
Guess that's why MB put that small circle of polished aluminum and rubber around the key cylinder.

For heater controls, also cigarette lighter, clock, speaker grille and speaker(if any) and glovebox also help.

[su8pack1]

No, I didn't have to move the column, but maybe that might give better access. It's not an easy job no matter what, but it's a job almost anyone can do if they have the patience.

[Pinder]

skinny hands helps