Yes - I have in fact checked the state of the charging system and it is just fine - 13.77V.

ANyhow, I just dropped in an 825 CCA unit, and it fired right up easier than it ever has before, caught on the first crank. Now, if it starts up tomorrow (as I am sure it will) I will have a nice smile on my face.

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1984 300D Turbo, 326000 Km, Thistle Green Metallic

Hopefully you've got that smile going.....

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92 300D 2.5L OM602 OBK #59

I have recently had battery AND alternator issues, hopefully solved them both. The (relatively new- '07) battery had a hole in it from rubbing against the metal framework at the front and had leaked all of its acid out of one cell- rendering it unable to start the car. Plugged that with JB Waterweld stick and refilled- working okay since. The alternator was just not charging- verified with the Autozone battery/charging system checker, so replaced with new. Good luck.

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"Frau Blue Car" 1980 240D think Frau Bluker, cue the horses, formerly known as "China" from JimmyL
"Gunther" 1982 300D.....Turbo!! A/C!! Sunroof!!
"Fraulein" 1975 240D----Donated to NPR

Bad batteries sometimes cause alternator problems. And vice versa.

I see you bought the battery already, but for future, or for others who need them, I think all the group 49 batteries out there are made by either Exide or Johnson Controls. The Johnson Controls one is more robust, I think, and can be distinguished by the vent which comes off the top at the center, whereas the Exide has two vents at either end. The McParts stores use either of these- I recently saw a JC at Wally World for $80 and that's about as cheap and easy to replace (on the road) as its gonna get these days.

Rick

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

I went through 5 alternators in my 240D before I finally replaced the battery (which was old and terrible) and never had another alternator failure... My theory is the bad battery was drawing so much power the alternator would cook trying to supply it.

I suppose its possible that I just got a good alternator and the other 4 had been crap but...

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Sadly Benz-less

I did in fact buy a new battery - and it has been working out wonderfully! I'd have liked to find a Deka, but I was in a hurry, so I will make sure that is my next one.

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1984 300D Turbo, 326000 Km, Thistle Green Metallic

I have recently replaced my alternator (battery was drained, and not recharging), voltage regulator (as long as the alternator was out, I chose to replace this as well), battery (after the new alternator), and now starter / solenoid (ironic that this was on its way out at the same time). My car starts, but cranks very s l o w l y. Living in the NE, I am fearful of the car starting when the cold finally arrives. I believe that I have replaced the relevant parts, but without a complete cure.

Any recommendations?

Did you replace the Starter as a whole?
New or ReMan ?
If ReMan, Bosch? (If not, chances are it's BAD)

The SLOWS (With a Known GOOD TESTED Battery) points towards the Starter.

If,If,If ALL your connections(including the Engine to Chassis GROUNDING strap)
are:Clean,Bright and Tight.

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

Now is the time of the year that you guys in the northern hemisphere will have battery problems.
Its cooling down so they are going to have lower capacity.
Best give it all the help you can; clean & tighten all leads, dont leave things on without the motor running, keep the car some where sheltered from the cold.
I always go for the heaviest (weight) battery I can get.
The heavier it is, the more lead it has in it & provided it has good build quality, thats what counts.
Smart labels & interesting colors just dont = high capacity. A light weight high capacity battery will soon loose its shine.

Good Luck with your cold starts !!

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Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

I would be worried about killing the new alternator with a bad battery. Also, fully charge your battery before installing a new alt.



Does anyone know just how much cold weather effects cca? How much does a 20F battery deliver versus a 80F one? My uncles moving to denver and im considering installing, along with a block heater, a battery heating pad. Hes also getting 5 new gp's

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1981 300SD 512k OM603