W123 Mercedes 240D Starter

Replacing the starter motor on a W123 Mercedes 240D is a very straightforward job. That being said, it is not necessarily easy and will take some patience and a few tools. Always do a repair job that meets factory specs. Not only is it safer, the repair will likely last much longer and it will keep your classic as it should be—original.

TOOLS NEEDED:
PB Blaster or similar penetrating oil
10mm Hex Bit Socket
Socket Extensions
Universal Joint
10mm socket
13mm socket
17mm socket
Breaker Bar 1/2 in. or larger
Jackstands or ramps
Wheel Chocks
Mechanics Gloves

PARTS NEEDED:
Bosch Remanufactured Startermotor 

STEP 1 (Day Before)
Spray Hex socket screws at rear of starter liberally with PB Blaster or similar and allow to soak over night. I sprayed it down three times during the day.

STEP 2
Disconnect Battery. I use a disconnect switch on all my classic cars to avoid having to physically disconnect the battery cable. I personally recommend disconnecting the battery when you do just about any type of work on your car. 

STEP 3
Remove air cleaner top, filter and air intake trunk. 

STEP 4 
Remove the three retaining nuts from air cleaner base. 

STEP 5 
Remove air cleaner lower assembly

STEP 6
Remove upper bolt from intake manifold supporting bracket

STEP 7
Loosen lower nut of manifold supporting bracket enough to allow bracket to rotate forward. No need to remove nut.

STEP 8
Remove bolt securing automatic transmission dipstick tube and gently move out of the way as needed.

STEP 9
Remove wires from starter motor. BE SURE YOUR BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED! These wires are more than likely brittle and to avoid having to replace them, handle them with car. If you see broken insolation or any bad wiring always fix it immediately. 

STEP 10
Remove the two small retaining screws from the front of the starter motor bracket. 

STEP 11
Remove the two nuts retaining the front bracket and remove bracket. These two nuts also help secure the engine mount brace. Be sure to secure properly on reinstallation.

STEP 12
Raise front of car and secure with ether jack stands or ramps. NEVER allow a car to solely rest on a hydraulic floor jack and always chock the wheels not being lifted. I prefer to use wooden "wheel cribs" which are stackable and allow for varying heights. When jacking up a car always use designated jacking points only! For the W123 Mercedes, you may jack the car up at the front center, using the subframe crossmember. Consult your owners manual.

STEP 13
Remove lower hex cap screw with breaker bar and extension(s). This is the awkward part and takes a good bit of force to break original untouched screws loose. NOTE: Make sure all debris has been cleared from the hex cap screw. If the hex bit socket is not allowed to fully seat in the screw head, it will likely strip the head. You do not want this to happen! Photo does not show breaker bar.

STEP 14
Remove upper hex cap screw with breaker bar

STEP 15
Remove starter motor by working it toward the front of the car. NOTE: It is fairly heavy.

Installation is the reverse. Be sure to properly torque all nuts and bolts. Never over or under tighten and always follow manufacturers directions. Also, make sure all eyelet terminals are very clean before reinstalling. Remember, do it by the book. They designed it a particular way, for a very particular reason. 

While many will suggest shortcuts, or guess at what might be wrong and how to "fix" a particular item on our classics, there is no reason to engage in any of that. Service manuals are always available and should be used when there is any doubt. 

W123 Mercedes DNA

Every now and again its good to get a different and fun perspective on cars and see just who makes them what they are.

Since the purchase of my 1981 Mercedes 240D last summer, it has been a most enjoyable adventure to gain a small glimpse in to the lives of the original owners. Being the second owner after 35 years, the car was ripe with a lifetime of "DNA" in all the cracks and crevices. 

Upon dismantling most of the interior to work on vacuum leaks etc., was when the discoveries were made. While I did not pluck everything from the debris to photograph, I did pull most of the story. 

Goodies shown: Top Flite golf ball, pen from a San Diego bank, a 1993 and 1965 penny, a 1980 Philippine "1 cent" piece, one bullet, three half sticks of gum (Care-Free, Juicy Fruit and Double Mint), a candy cane and a lip stick brush. Not salvaged for the photo, an abundance of popcorn, almonds and peanuts.

Other than these items discovered, and only after the seats were pulled, the car was immaculately cared for as is evident by only a handful of trash.

A brief analysis would suggest the individual(s) liked golfing, shooting or hunting, wore at least lip stick, traveled and either just liked candy or perhaps were just interested in fresh breath, or had a habit and/or nervous compulsion that need to be quelled.

Now the car will get to take on new "DNA" over the next number of years it resides with her new family. Just what will the next owners discover about us?

I am truly looking forward to discovering what the 1975 450SL will divulge, as I am also the second owner of that car. That coming in a separate blog dedicated to the 450SL.

COMING UP

Replacing the W123 ignition switch and housing