“The key didn’t work.”
That doesn’t quite make sense, because your car has an old school mechanical key. No chip or anti-theft system to complicate things
Would you like to try the key? If you can get it to work, I’ll promise never to make another comment on here.
Perhaps the problem isn’t the key, but the ignition switch . . .
well, I have a rubber push button hose clamped to my steering column that works my horn…,
Top that, UH!
it might even be electrical taped too…
nope, just the tape.
I remember now. the hose clamp was just too garish…
Would you like to try the key? If you can get it to work, I’ll promise never to make another comment on here.
If I put the key in the door lock and it turns, do I win the challenge?
All I know is this. My one true love hasn’t thrown this dead and dying, pathetic, not-funny, off-topic, ridiculous thread to the wolves. Yet. Which means, I still have a chance to win her heart from the multitudes, yea the throngs of jealous, envious, wanna-be-studs who hang on my every demented word, used to try to woo her to myself-- through the prospect of driving with yours truly in my suped up, custom modified 1982 300SD Turbo Charged Straight 5 Cylinder, practically 125 horsepower, luxury dragster/sedan. As you know, the way to a beautiful woman’s heart is through the powerhouse hot rod one owns.
Dearest Nevada and DB, obviously you boys don’t have what it takes to capture the heart of a resplendent beauty like “wishing eternally she would” be mine. I think she’s made her desires perfectly clear.
However, if in fact you can use the key to start the old babe, be my guest. The prize still be mine–if she’ll have me.
And, no. You can’t open the door with the key and expect anything but a pie in the face.
They didn’t replace a single glow plug. They are going to and they plan on diagnosing the ignition system problem. BUT, I am overflowing with happiness that she cooperated!!! and proved once and for all that she appreciated all the oil changes lavished upon her and the barrage of baths and wonderful waxings I gave her.
Assuming you speak the truth, and the key somehow is the problem . . .
You do realize you can go to any Benz dealer and order a correct key, already cut, based on your VIN
All you have to show is a vehicle registration with your name on it
I highly suggest going that route, versus making a copy of a worn out key
It is the ignition system. The key will work when whatever is faulty in the IS is fixed. This really cool mechanic was merely doing the bare minimum to try to start the car. Having gotten her running, he’s agreed to put new glow plugs in, newer tires on, a push button starter in the dashboard and to diagnose the problem with the ignition.
Then you have at LEAST 2 problems
A worn out key . . . do what I said and order a new key from your local dealer
And quite possibly your ignition switch
After 30 pages of posts it seems to me it would have been easier just to do an SEFI Ford 5.0 engine swap and be done with it.
I’m no Benz expert like db4690 as most of my diesel experience is with VW but how difficult can a diagnosis be on one of these things. (Rhetorically asking…)
Thanks for focusing on the minors, gents. Pardon me. I am guilty of forgetting to be as down in the dumps as required by law. Happy she started, not beleaguered by a broken IS/key, I have violated your covenant to be forlorn. I repent of this vile evil, Dear Gestapo, and hereafter vow to strive to dwell in the gutter of human misery and to follow your example in all I do and say .
I promise to try to achieve and maintain the right perspective on this like you boys. To bemoan the length of this thread and weep over a busted key is my sacred duty. Please, please, forgivest thou me! I have to say, though, I’m unsure I have the capacity to be as dark and unhappy and negative and ruined and beside myself over the minutia of petty things like the expert fun police who specialize in all things painful and sad. Have mercy on your humble, disgusting servant.
I am beside myself with grief and anguish. To think I spent a few moments rejoicing the old girl started up and ran! Woe is me. I’m a man with an ugly, fully corrupt heart. Sackcloth and ashes, that’s what I need. Nay, what I deserve!
While we’re at it, confessing and all, I am compelled to announce how happy I have been to be able to afford petrol, once again. Not in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d see the price per gallon drop below $2.00. I was thrilled and delighted.
Now, thanks to my beloved mentors, I am learning the errors of my ways. I realize I should be denouncing this positive development and arguing about other related (and unrelated) matters that focus exclusively on any and all negative ramifications inspired by such unpleasantries. My wish, nay my longing and deepest yearning, is to stay on topic and ensconce myself in all things (pantas alles, ancient Greek) truly reprehensible
PLEASE. DO NOT READ! WARNING! DANGER! THIS COMMENT CONTAINS ALL KINDS OF GARBAGE!
More good news. Push button starter is installed. All glow plugs were in good working order. Ran on fuel left in tank for many years. Practically no blow by. Brakes are another story. May be the 0 ring between MC and brake booster. MONEY!
Money, it’s a gas
Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash
New car, caviar, four star daydream,
Think I’ll buy me a football team.
The Midget League Loafers
“May be the 0 ring between MC and brake booster”
What are the symptoms?
spongy brake pedal?
hard pedal?
“Push button starter is installed.”
I take that to mean you didn’t get the issue with the key and/or ignition switch fixed
I’m kind of disappointed, since it wouldn’t have been that hard to diagnose and repair
“Ran on fuel left in tank for many years.”
That’s actually a VERY bad idea
If you don’t like what I have to say . . . 
You installed a push button to start the engine, how do you turn the engine off?
Maybe he pops the hood and shuts off the engine by pushing that “engine stop” lever that early Benz diesels had
I believe it moves the rack inside of the fuel pump into a position that stops the flow of fuel
It’s been awhile, but I’m 99% sure that Harry’s engine has that lever
Beats me. I am still floating around 1,000 feet above sea level.
I suppose he’ll install a “push off” button before he’s through. I need newer tires, too.
The brakes take both Schwarzenegger’s legs and feet to push on the pedal to stop the monster. The vacuum assist doesn’t seem to be vacuuming a whole lot. I can always use my Fred Flintstone technique on her, too. That’s all I know.
Yes indeedy. I do have a red flange with “STOP” boldly grabbing my attention.
Thanks for your ongoing concern and helpful suggestions. I wouldn’t have taken her to a shop and gotten her started without the help of you Car Talk folks.
Sounds like a classy vehicle, you just open the hood when you get to your destination and push the manual override on the fuel-cut solenoid.
You will need switches to turn on the electrical features; power windows, HVAC, turn signals etc.
On the other hand a new ignition lock cylinder with keys cost $10.
It beats my horse.
He isn’t finished with her yet. Hopefully, he’ll find the IS trouble without too much hassle. He’s trying very hard to keep costs down while making her driveable, simultaneously.