Lawrence,
(I forgot to post this. Nate's post makes it redundant, but you might look at the Mercedes Source video.)
(On my 300CD, the DPO changed the alternator over to a GM, so this post is general ideas, not MB experience.)
The gadget on the back of many alternators is a capacitor. It is seldom replaced. It is there to reduce radio noise. If you take it loose, it should not affect the alternator doing its job. Therefore, you could try taking it loose and see if your flaky problem goes away.
It is unlikely, but the capacitor could be shorting out and reducing your charge.
It is unlikely, but the capacitor could be shorting out and reducing your charge.
If you can disconnect the wire, try that. If you cannot, unbolt the capacitor and wrap it with tape.
Mercedes Source shows the alternator in this video and it has no electrical component on the back except the regulator/brushes.
<https://mercedessource.com/problems/electrical/engine-wont-turn-over-when-it-sits-overnight>
<https://mercedessource.com/problems/electrical/engine-wont-turn-over-when-it-sits-overnight>
(Note that at about 2:55 he briefly shows both new and used brushes and the used brushes are worn differently.)
Anyone with MB experience?
Bobby
On Sun, Mar 8, 2015 at 7:46 PM, Lawrence Rhodes primobassoon@sbcglobal.net [diesel_mercedes] <diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
I'm confused. I thought alternators didn't wear out at least the windings. Now the bearings and burshes you expect. There is also an electronic part on the back of my alternator. Is that a capacitor? Does it need replacing? My old brushes did wear unevenly. Maybe I have a commutator problem. Just today my voltage was at a high point of 14.45. A little suspicious. This usually happens after starting. I don't have my monitor yet so I'm just guessing as to the output. I did stall during the day after shopping yesterday. So my battery is getting drawn down so I charged all night. The battery was at 13vdc after that. So the battery seems good. I'm charging it now as it is a bit down after the alternator stopped working for a few minutes today.. This on and off charging from the alternator is flummoxing me. Can an alternator work intermittently? Could some relay be the culprit. Some other connection I'm not aware of under the dash. I've been getting steady 13.5 to 13.75 vdc levels mostly when I test. It's just not charging sometimes. No rime or reason. HELP. Lawrence Rhodes.....
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Toward freedom,
Bobby Yates Emory
Bobby Yates Emory
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Posted by: Bobby Yates Emory <liberty1@gmail.com>
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