1993 240 - turn key nothing happens. Jumped large terminal on starter to smaller terminal right next to it, car cranks and starts. Is my solenoid bad, or what else could it be?

 

your ignition switch, or the park/neutral safety switch (try putting the gear shifter in neutral before cranking, somethings that will work?), or someone has installed an after market alarm with a starter imobilizer and its gone fubar?

 

If you have someone turn the key for you , get your meter and see if you got 12V at the little wire (I think its green)when someone turns the key to start it. You can disconnect it when you test it to make it easier, but if you got 12v there when the key is turned your ignition switch is good and that would mean you solenoid is bad.

 

If it cranks when he jumpers from the big lead to the little one, then the solenoid is working fine. thats why I suggested he check the park/neutral safety switch...