starter problems

[n/a]

I am working on my 1967 230sl (automatic trans). Its been out of service for over a year. I finished work on the warped head and now I am having problems with the starter. I get a click but it will not turn over. The battery has a fresh charge and also tried to start it with a jump but still no luck. I am looking for any help and do not want to remove the starter if there are the possiblities of another way to fix it.

If i do have to remove the starter is it better to take off the intake manifold or from underneath???

thanks for any help

Eric

[ja17]

Hello Eric,

Make sure you have a good connection at the battery. Replacement battery cable ends are notorious for loosing contact under their clamp or at the battery post especially after long term storage.

The starter is removable easiest from below. Access the top starter bolt through the removable cover on the tunnel inside the car.

You may try bumping the starter with something heavy first. this may jar it into working again, at least temporarily.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[jimj]

Eric, don't overlook the obvious.  Is the car in Park?  I installed new batter cables, re-established the grounds and was on my way to buy a new battery when I noticed the tranny was in "american park", and not Mercedes park.  Car started right up.

[n/a]

ok I have a new starter and clean cables and I can hear the solinoid engage but it will not turn over.

[ja17]

Eric,

There is a nuetral safety switch on the firewall in the engine compartment. It has a cable running to the linkage on the side of the transmission. This cable can be broke or bent and will tell the starter that the car is in gear and it will not engage the starter. Have someone watch to see if the arm on the switch moves through it's full range as you move the shifter. You can manually move the switch into the "nuetral" or park "position" from the engine compartment and the starter should engage.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by amplex

I am working on my 1967 230sl (automatic trans). Its been out of service for over a year.

Eric,
Your starter may be saving your from other problems.  Have you checked/cleaned/replaced your entire fuel system?  A Pagoda sitting idle for over a year would make me:
- Remove the fuel guage sender from the fuel tank (access in trunk) and check for sediment in fuel tank.
- If sediment, then clean (replace?) tank and replace the in-tank filer.  Search for postings on this if necessary.
- Check the filter screen in the electric fuel pump.  Clean (replace?) if necessary.
- Replace the main fuel filter in the engine bay regardless.
- Replace the fuel itself.  No need to use old fuel.
- Test the ability of the electric fuel pump to supply proper fuel pressure and flow rate.  Search for postings on this.

Once that's all done, then move forward with starting the car.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420