posted a week or so ago about replacing my starter. anyway, replaced it, and same symptoms as before (solenoid clicks, starter doesn't react). battery had 12.5 at battery and at starter. solenoid terminals clean. so, i decided to do what i should have done in the first place. thoroughly take apart and clean the battery terminals and clamps (i replaced the clamps last year with some cheapies, it was all i could find locally). i then had 13 at the bat and starter, and she fired right up. jumping the battery had no effect, it was only after cleaning the connections that she started. in other words, i more than likely didn't need a starter, though the old one had some noise when i shook it around. the new starter sounds kinda different, like a honda starting instead of the old volvo, but i guess it's just what you get used to. i'll keep it in because i'm lazy and i'm satisfied with solving the problem for $120, and i feel all high falutin' having a new starter.

after reading the archives prior to putting the new one in, they all recommended long extensions and whatnot to access the top bolt from underneath. after trying this awkwardly to no avail, i just used a long 18mm box wrench from the top and popped her loose. putting it back in is cake because you can reach the top bolt from above to hand turn a couple times to start threading after keying the starter into the bellhousing. it's a lot less hassle if you remove the large intake hoses before beginning.

i'm sure this is all elementary to the rest of you guys, but as a novice and dedicated practitioner of trial and error, i'm just trying to give back a little where i can....
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'75 164e(?), '87 240gl(350K), '84 240 gl(233K), '91 940se(225k+?)