Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Diesel Discussion

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10-30-2006, 04:56 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Kimberly, WI
Posts: 15
Voltage Issue

I have 77 240d that I am getting small voltage drop or spikes (depending on which one it is). Here's a better explanation. I am seeing the lights; headlights, interior, and gauges showing small pulsations as I drive down the highway at night. Not severly like it looking like I am flashing my brights, just enough to notice. Is this the sign of a voltage regulator going? Or is this normal for diesels as this is my first? The alternator was replace within the last year and battery within the last 6 months.

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10-30-2006, 08:45 PM
Motorhead's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Ca.
Posts: 976
I would check ALL grounding connections under the hood. Make sure the engine ground strap is intact. I believe you can see it from under the car. It installs where the enging bolts to the trans. It then hooks to the chassis. Check and ground the alternator if necessary. The only other thing is to replace the regulator with a BOSCH unit. The voltage regulators are a solid state type.
__________________
My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10-30-2006, 08:49 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 690
Belt.

Is the belt tight?

Jay.
__________________
On the road, currently:
'83 300D (German spec.) 168k mi. - - Wolfgang (tucked snugly away for the winter!)
'87 300D 375k mi. - finally went over to "The Dark Side"
'87 300TD 225k mi.
Cannondale 66cm CAAD5 w/Campy/Jamis Aurora
Hujsak Custom Fixie/Landshark Track Shark Custom/Ahearne Custom 29'er
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10-31-2006, 09:40 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 164
I had the same problem with our 1978 diesel and replaced the voltage regulator which solved the problem. I am not a fan of throwing parts at a problem but with the help and advice of these forums I felt reasonably comfortable with replacing the regulator. Easy to do and inexpensive. It certainly doesn't hurt to use this opportunity to clean up the electrical connections either.

Jim W.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10-31-2006, 09:54 AM
Cateaux's Avatar
Patent Pending
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Baton Rouge & New Orleans, Louisiana
Posts: 207
I second Motorhead's suggestion of checking grounding connections, and the connections on the alternator, too. Did you clean the connections and use dielectric grease when you replaced it? Dielectric grease is often overlooked when doing electrical work, but it really does help to make a good connection and makes plugs easier to pull apart. I use a Q-tip. Dip one end in rubbing alcohol to clean the connection, then use the other end to apply the grease.
__________________
1982 300D, black w/ palomino leather, 203K
2001 E320, champagne, 105K (Mom's)
1999 Dodge Dakota, squeaky & battered, 142K
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10-31-2006, 10:41 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: West of Ft. Worth. TX
Posts: 4,186
Ditto.......dielectric grease

I was having the same problem a couple of weeks ago. Removed the alternator plug and applied some dielectric grease and no more flicker. That plug sits low and is susceptible to corrosion.
__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11-01-2006, 08:12 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Kimberly, WI
Posts: 15
Unfortunately I inherted it with the alternator already replaced, so I don't know what was done when it was replaced. I will check all item that were noted and if all else fails, I will do the regulator. Thanks for the help guys.

Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:06 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page