Starter motor just goes on and on ...

[Cees Klumper]

My starter motor, on two separate occasions, has done the following: after releasing the ignition key from the "engage starter" position, it just keeps going and going until I pull the battery cable  :evil: .
What could cause this? Is there a starter relay that could be sticking? Or is it the solenoid on top of the starter? Something else?

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[ja17]

Hello Cees,
It is most likely the solenoid which causes your starter to stick.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Cees Klumper]

Thanks Joe. I will swap it for a new one. I believe they're about $60 a piece. I did check the brushes on the starter motor and they have plenty of wear left in them.
BTW, I tried to email you offline but the message came back - did you change your email address?

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[Richard Madison]

My starter doesn't crank until I turn the key off and on a few times. Once it clicks in, the starter cranks very nicely...

The "nose" of the solenoid (the end pointing to the front of the car) is loose, can be turned back and forth around its axis in a half circle. I was told a new solenoid is needed.

Question: Can an amateur mechanic remove the old solenoid and put a new one on without taking the starter motor off? Solenoid seems to be held to the starter with a bolt, and is just pushed into the starter, yes, no?
Thanks
Richard M

[Naj ✝︎]

Hi, Richard,
My guess is that even though the front end of the solenoid is part broken, it is still working properly.
Your ignition switch (the bit at the back of the ignition key barrel) may be burning out.
$0.02??

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[Naj ✝︎]

Cees,
It might be worth considering a rebuilt exchange starter complete with warranty. Should be able to get one off a Bosch or Hella dealer for less than Euro 100.00.

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[Cees Klumper]

Richard - you can swap the solenoid without taking off the starter motor rather easily. I did this myself about a year ago.
Naj - I will enquire about the cost of a rebuilt starter motor. Cost seems quite reasonable, especially if it includes the solenoid.
Thanks all,
Cees

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[ja17]

Hello Cees,
My email address is still the same. I don't know why your message  was returned?
Any one working on their starters should remember to disconnect the battery first. Removal of the starter is not that difficult if you remove the access cover on the tunnel inside the car. The top starter bolt can now be loosened with a ratchet handle with 10mm allen stud. The lower starter bolt is loosened from below and the wires can be unhooked before or as the starter is lowered .


Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio