Hello,

I just got a Bosch 90 amp alternator for my 98 E300 TD. The one that is in there now is a Valeo and has two screw terminal connections like the Bosch with the same label. The new Bosch also has an spade connection labeled "W". You can see it if you look at the picture of the alternator in the Fastlane. The part number is AL0146X. Should I just leave the spade terminal alone? The car was manufactured in 10/97 and the alternator is suppose to be good for up to 11/97.

Thanks,
Jay

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1998 E300 Turbodiesel 190,000 Elsbett Conversion
(Sold) 1992 300D over 251,000 Greasecar Conversion
Over 70 K of veggie miles total.
Follow link below to see the conversions and instructions.
http://www.geocities.com/jaycimini/MainNavigationPage.html

W TERMINAL
A separate low voltage output terminal on the alternator which is used to operate a tach or RPM warning light.
definition from:
http://www.wagneralt.com/lines/glossary.asp?OpMode=Term&TermID=170

Why didn't MB use the alt as the tach signal source?
Why didn't MB use the alt as the tach signal source?

It sounds like your car doesn't use it. So is there a risk of the exposed terminal shorting out on something? do you need to cover it in some way to protect it from road salt, etc?

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1998 E300D 1-tank Elsbett Veggie system
1986 190D 2-tank Veggie system -Sold