1980 300td -- Alternator diagnosis ??'s

[bradley6]

Hi there: Thanks in advance for help!!

Pretty sure from observations that lack of charge from the alt., and/ or power draw from the failing alt. are draining my battery.

Will clean all terminals as a matter of course, and pursue testing of the alt. output, but I was hoping I could get some clarifications / advice re: alt. diagnosis.

Keep in mind my understanding of the system is rudimentary, so simplicity and explanations would be appreciated.

My understanding is that replacement of the regulator or the brushes may all that is required, and might be simpler and less expensive. Any thoughts? Is brush replacement likely to be within my abilities?

The manual calls for testing the alt. output at the battery, but I've been informally advised that testing right at the alt itself might be a better way to go. Is this true? and if so, how exactly would I go about it?

Thanks!