My '84 300TD uses the internal type voltage regulator.
Last year the regulator failed (no charge). I rebuilt the alternator with new bearings and Meyle regulator & it failed about 12 months later, this time allowing the battery to overcharge. I guess I was a bit lazy about checking the water level, and had to add almost a gallon of water to top it up again! Strangely, the battery (3 year old 6 year Napa) worked ok for another month before failing. I've driven the car little in that month because of the bad regulator. The new battery is now in place. Now I'm wondering if modifying the setup is in order. I'm thinking of building a harness and installing an early external type regulator, and locate it in a cooler area of the engine compartment. I thought perhaps adding a rear shield to the alternator might be the answer, but I have an '85 300D which has also had a regulator failure even with the shield. Any ideas?

Scott

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D

Some aftermarket voltage regulators of the type these alternators take are somewhat lacking in quality and reliability. I cannot comment on myer as never used them. Still have had more than my share of repeat failures with aftermarket starter and alternator parts.

The people in the alternator and starter repair business can tell you what brands are decent. This is not the area to save money on parts unless they are known good and recommended by people in the business. Many times you would be better off using used it they still appeared good over the off brands.

made in china...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!