Before you buy a new alternator you may want to take a look at the voltage regualtor. The brushes may be worn out. It is much cheaper and easier to replace. $25 part and two phillips screws. I'm sure you could do it in 10 min. I beleive Diesel Giant has a "how to" on his website.

Regarding the tensioner, one of my 124's (Fritz) is on his second known tensioner (my records only go back to 150K) and it needs another one now. I am not sure if it just needs the shock or the whole setup. I wish I could find a "how to" for that also.

__________________

Muleears
'07 E320 Bluetec 133K my DD
'04 Jaguar XJ8 VDP, 34K
'10 Hyundai Accent 60K Grocery Getter
'02 VW Golf soon to be on the road again
'97 E300 Diesel Son's DD
'61 VERY tolerant wife

Hampton Roads, VA USA

Gone but not forgotten:
'67 250S 95K
'86 300SDL
'87 300D Turbo, 364K! R.I.P.
'98 E300 Turbodiesel, 213K
'02 S420, 164K
'01 Prius 138K