Good Morning All!
After giving this problem the old college try, I think I need to seek outside advise! Feedback/thoughts/wisdom/wise-ass comments, are very appreciated!!!
My 300GD n/a (gasser lovingly converted by the West German Border Patrol in the early 80s) has always been really reliable in terms of starting up. However, last weekend, out of the blue, the engine won't turn over. Before I start, I think the battery is ok: measured 11.7V across the terminals last night (maybe drained a bit b/c I have been fussing with trying to get the engine to turn over for a few days now), lights come on, etc... Here's the scenario:
1. Cycle the glow plugs
2. Turn the ignition all the way over
3. The starter lets out a little whimper, and then nothing
4. I turn the ignition back, pull out the key
5. When I immediately try again to cycle the glow plugs I get a crazy buzzing sound from the glow plug relay (it's vibrating too). The radio also comes on (wtf???)
6. When I turn the ignition all the way over, everything stops (radio, vibration, lights in the dash). It's like someone disconnected the battery!
7. Repeat #5 & 6, ad infinitum
This reminds me of what happened when I put in my transmission. I didn't properly secure the grounding strap to the started motor (which is attached to one of the bell housing bolts) and when I tried to turn the engine over it was like the battery was suddenly disconnected. I've checked what I think are the relevant wires, grounds, too see if anything is obviously cracked, split, frayed. So far nothing stands out as obviously bad.
Also, and I do not think this is related, but my turn signals are dead. No voltage going to them when I try to engage. This happened a few weeks before my startup woes though, and I think is related to me removing and improperly re-hooking up my rear tail lights (possible I fried the flasher?).
OK. Sorry this is so long. If you made it this far, thank you!