First, thanks to WHunter for answering my earlier post re the radio vs accelleration whine...you were right!

I was driving our "new to us" 190D 2.5 on Thursday and heard a kind of whoosh/dragging kind of noise. I thought it might be the heater fan, so I turned the heater off. still heard the noise...then the battery light came on...then just as I got into town and started to slow down the car started shaking and bucking...I thought it might be prudent to pull over. Upon opening the hood and looking inside I can see the pulley (round object on the front of the alternator) has broken/come loose and the serpentine belt broke too. On the bright side, the tow driver was VERY impressed when I opened the hood--he said it was one of the cleanest diesel engines he's ever seen. (this is a one owner car w/169000 miles I have all the records too)

QUESTIONS: can the pulley be tightened up (new bolt?) or am I going to need a new alternator? Is there a trusty/reliable place to purchase (online) an alternator?

also...does anyone know a good diesel mechanic in Stockton/Sacramento California? or even Jackson/Sonora/Angels Camp...I know I'm dreaming I do have some book learnin' in mechanical escapades, but since my '65 Bug died back in high school (a "few" years ago) I've not had a chance to practice the art of wrenching.

Can anyone recommend a good source for purchasing the Mercedes Manual (the one now only available on CD)?

Luckily we have two other diesels, so the withdrawals won't be toooo bad...I was really starting to like the 190D.

THANKS!
Cathy

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3Diesels
1987 Mercedes 190D 2.5/non turbo/auto
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins auto
2003 VW Golf TDI 5 speed