Junkman: For the measurements in my original post I used a multimeter connected to the cigarette lighter. I conducted similar tests a couple of nights ago with the multimeter connected directly to the battery; I didn't make notes of particular numbers then, but I recall seeing similar behavior to what I observed this time around. Any pointers on how to check the alternator output with a multimeter?

vstech: Starting from a dead stop with the accelerator full down, the car accelerates to around 20 mph before going into second. It is a 1978 240D with an automatic transmission, the car in my signature (transmission shifting is probably sagging by now, but, if so, that's a problem for another day). When I replaced the alternator belt a month ago I had high hopes this problem would end, but not so; the sound of the belt slipping was very noticeable then, but I cannot hear anything of that sort now.

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'Betsy the Getaway Car' : 1978 MB 240D, 582k
'The Mistress of the Sea' : 2001 Giant Boulder, 10.30k