[1966200]

Hey Folks, I am having some issues with the starter in my 66 200D and have a few questions. Since I got the car it has cranked REALLY slowly, but would usually fire up after one or two cranks. This is no longer the case. The starter just doesn't turn the motor fast enough to get it going. I replaced the battery and battery cables, but this did not fix the problem. The guys at my local vintage Mercedes shop said it sounds like the starter is bad, and they can replace it for around $300. I don't really have that kind of dough knocking around, and the rainy season is coming, so I have to get the beast running.

Does anyone know about compatibility with later model starters?

Napa sells brushes for the starter, but nothing else. Is there a chance I could find the bushings at my local bearing place? Does it sound like maybe cleaning it up and replacing the brushes and bushings might do the trick?

Thanks for any info!

-Luke

 

[bfrymire]

do you have a local rebuild shop? Call them and ask.

here in san jose, we have a shop that rebuilds starters,etc. Much cheaper and better than what you get from the parts houses.

-- brett

 

[flyboyike]

I would agree with the finding of a local rebuild shop idea. That being said, $300 to replace a starter including labor is pretty reasonable.

 

[1966200]

The $300 is for the starter alone. I don't mind putting it in though. Its pretty easy to get at. I didn't even need to jack up the car to get the thing out. The local rebuild shop is quoting me about $225 for the rebuild due to the price of parts. The mechanic seemed irritated that it was so expensive, and told me that he could likely drive the price down a bit. I'm going to try pulling it apart, cleaning it up, lubing up the bushings to see if that helps. The previous owners claims it was starting ok when it was parked, so it might be a lubrication issue. He also told me its hard to start sometimes, and I should "just keep on cranking it until it starts" which would suggest he abused the starter.

I'm hoping I can get the bushings at our local bearing place.