B Class Won't Start

[2mercsnonwerk]

I've got a automatic Diesel B Class that has been flooded. (Not running at time & no water in engine). I have dried everything out. Unfortunately on turning key I just get a sound similar to a solenoid coming in. The starter motor looks pretty hard to get to. Any pearls of wisdom out there?!

On a different note. Does the gearbox have any way in which water may have entered?

 

[MBManInKen]

Why aren't you taking it to the dealer and why isn't your insurance involved?

 

[merc180k]

I've got a automatic Diesel B Class that has been flooded. (Not running at time & no water in engine). I have dried everything out. Unfortunately on turning key I just get a sound similar to a solenoid coming in. The starter motor looks pretty hard to get to. Any pearls of wisdom out there?!

On a different note. Does the gearbox have any way in which water may have entered?

How did the car get flooded?

 

[glojo]

Why aren't you taking it to the dealer and why isn't your insurance involved?

Clue

John

 

[Dieselman]

See this thread

 

[2mercsnonwerk]

Glojo provided MBManIn Ken with the answer! From Dieselman's link I can't see how any water can possibly have touched the starter motor; there is simply not enough room between the engine and bulkhead to allow this to happen!!

I also asked if there is any likelyhood of water entering gearbox through e.g a breather?

Could flood water also have entered wheel bearings or are they well sealed?

 

[Dieselman]

Are your water molecules larger than normal then?

The water will have penetrated all the bearings below water level. Whether they can stand this is another question, but probably assuming they have been rotated and dry since. It may be worth repacking them though anyway.

 

[2mercsnonwerk]

B Class now running

Thanks Dieselman for advice. Fortunately a little strategic tapping behind engine with a long bar, whilst someone turned key, motivated the starter to perform! The car is now back together and drives well, the only remaining problem being a warning message in respect of the restraint system.