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Hirsh
Regular
Date registered: Sep 2007
Location: Fairfield, Iowa
Vehicle(s): 1986 280GE LWB
Posts: 96
| 1986 280ge won't start
My truck has been sitting for a while in the garage, and now it won't start. I have tried jumping it with a battery pack, but it does not even turn over. The local shop says I need a new starter. Has anyone solved this problem before? I know in the past I had an issue starting it and it was related to a light bulb in the speedometer console. Are there any other things I should check before getting a new starter?
Thanks in advance. |
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| RE: 1986 280ge won't start
Does the starter solenoid engage? My 1984 280GE reached a point where the starter solenoid got fully clogged with grease. I had to dismantle and clean it thoroughly to get it to work.
Also, check the cable connections and ground wire to the starter. They have been known to become loose and/or to fail. |
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J.R.
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Southern Maryland
Vehicle(s): 00 G500, 09 911 4S, 11 Cayenne S, 86 280GE (sold)
Posts: 828
| RE: 1986 280ge won't start
Hirsh - 9/21/2016 5:11 PM
My truck has been sitting for a while in the garage, and now it won't start. I have tried jumping it with a battery pack, but it does not even turn over.
Thanks in advance.
When I read about battery packs, I don't know what is behind it battery capacity wise.
I would remove the current battery because it may be drawing from the battery pack. Take it to you favorite local autoparts store and ask them to charge and test it. Then with either a fully charged battery or a new fully charged batter, give it a go.  |
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Inkblotz
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Georgia
Vehicle(s): 90 300GD "Thundering Turtle II", w/ 603A turbo
Posts: 3186
| Re: 1986 280ge won't start
After you do what JR suggests: Take a long solid metal rod open the hood and in a spear like motion tap/hit the solenoid (if you can get to it) several times as it may just be locked up. If this works than know that your starter is on the way out. I ran my 240D sedan like this for 2 years this way (Student on a shoestring budget). Keeping the metal rod in my car and tapping the starter every other time to get it going.
If you have a good auto electric place in you town these can be rebuilt.
Mark |
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GwagenLover
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Winston Salem, NC USA 27104
Vehicle(s): 2016 G550 & 2016 GLE350
Posts: 473
| RE: 1986 280ge won't start
DUTCH - 9/21/2016 5:21 PM
Does the starter solenoid engage? My 1984 280GE reached a point where the starter solenoid got fully clogged with grease. I had to dismantle and clean it thoroughly to get it to work.
Also, check the cable connections and ground wire to the starter. They have been known to become loose and/or to fail. Dutche's advice.
Best take Dutch's advice and investigate the starter and solenoid first.
I have seen starters that have a warped rotor that locks to the field. (Once had a large fork lift that had this happen.)
It was simple to fix after placing it into a lathe and straightening the rotor.
As to the ground, Mbenz earlier models were notorious for corroded grounds. |
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| RE: 1986 280ge won't start
GwagenLover - 9/22/2016 8:04 AM
As to the ground, Mbenz earlier models were notorious for corroded grounds.
Especially the battery to engine ground strap. |
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| RE: 1986 280ge won't start
GwagenLover - 9/22/2016 8:04 AM
Best take Dutch's advice and investigate the starter and solenoid first.
I have seen starters that have a warped rotor that locks to the field. (Once had a large fork lift that had this happen.)
It was simple to fix after placing it into a lathe and straightening the rotor.
I do have the specific MB tool necessary to unbolt the starter from the engine. I don't need it any more, so I'd be happy to sell it cheap. |
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elevatorbernie
Expert
Date registered: Aug 2006
Location: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Vehicle(s): 1989 280GE
Posts: 1347
| RE: 1986 280ge won't start
Clean the fuses and fuse holders |
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