Hello everyone,

I can smell that battery is getting overchared on my '76 240D.
Any advice where to look? Is the relay built into alternator or separated? The new alternator was installed by previous owner about two years ago..

Sergey

On my 123 300D, the voltage regulator's inside the alternator, but can be replaced independently of the alternator, and can be done with the alternator in the car. This also contains the two contact brushes. I don't know if they may have done this differently on the 115's, though.

I would assume that the voltage regulator's out, which is why it's overcharging...with all of the other gauges, I'm honestly surprised that there isn't an ammeter...

Hope that helps some...good luck!

__________________
2001 VW Jetta TDI, 5 speed, daily driver
1991 Ford F-350, work in progress
1984 Ford F-250 4x4, 6.9l turbo diesel, 5 speed manual
Previous oilburners: 1980 IH Scout, 1984 E-350, 1985 M-B 300D, 1979 M-B 300SD, 1983 M-B 300D
Spark-free since 1999

I just had the alternator rebuilt on my 115 240d and there are two small electrical parts mounted on the back. One of them was replaced and the other they left original. I am thinking the volt regulater must be the larger piece that is held in by two screws, I will look on the alternator that I took out but I think the screws are phillips head (the rebuild shop put the new one on with those damn torz screws).
I am fairly sure you can get to the back of the alternator to try to replace the volt reg and that is much better than having to pull the fan and the shroud to get the alternator out.
If you decide to replace the alternator just give me a yell and I will give you a few pointers while it is still fresh in my mind.
Good Luck

__________________
Ncnetman
1959 Chev 3100 Fleetside
1965 Mustang
1968 Torino GT fastback
1969 Ranchero
1974 240d 4-speed -for sale
1976 240d fresh paint- on hold
1978 300cd fresh paint and new rearwindshield rubber
1990 6.2 Suburban 194k-getting a 6.5 turbo
2008 Duramax Silverado
2015 VW Passat TDI

Sergey,

Check the voltage across the battery with the engine running about 200RPM. It shouldn't be higher than 14.7 volts.

If it about 14.7 volts, the alternator and V-reg should be OK , you may have a bad battery.

P E H

I put a new MB VR in my 76 115 240d and I charged at almost
16V at high idle. The next one charged at around 14.5vdc.
You may have a bunk regulator, but check your battery and
battery acid level for being full.