W126, BENZ AID - COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

I've got a 1977 240D with a starter that won't turn (or do much of anything) when the key is turned. It will, however, start right up when I bridge the two screw terminals on the smaller cylinder on the starter assembly (solenoid?). I'm not too clear how exactly the starter motor works, so I'm looking for some help on what to look at/for. More, possibly relevant, info: Drove about 150 miles through 100+ degree heat. When I stopped for lunch, car exhibited above symptoms. Banged on large starter cylinder, car started with minimal fuss. After sitting in a driveway overnight and most of the next day, starter wouldn't turn at all (or even "click"). My friend suggested bridging the two screw terminals on the solenoid with a screw driver, and this started the engine right up.

S420 1997 Dear friends! I think have truble with my thermostate, A/C is ok but heater is not working. What can I do to make sure that is realy a thermostae or some thing else. Thanks Jim

My '81 300TD TurboDiesel wagon has some kind of throttle bushing (rubbery filled metalic thing that screws onto the firewall and holds the throttle linkage from firewall to the "stop engine" lever on valve cover) on the firewall that seems to be deteriorating and the acelerator is becoming very mushy. I'm sure I'm only getting about 1/3 of the actual throttle so I'd like to replace this. I don't know what to call it, let alone where to get it. If anyone has any knowledge as to what this is called, I'd appreciate it. Thanks so much!

Sir: I have a 1988 300CE with 108k miles. Recently, while driving at highway speeds, 60+ mph, the engine seems to lose power and the red "check engine" light blinks on for a few seconds. It feels like I am losing power in one or two cylinders for 5 to 10 seconds. Then, the power resumes, the engine light goes out and everything is OK. This problem will only occur about once in 20 or 30 minutes of highway driving. I took it to my local mechanic, he drove the car and, of course, this problem did not occur. Any suggestions? Thank you, tjw tward@hseinc.biz