"Alternator" 115 Amp Bosch AL129X works in 123s! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

1985 300SD Sady · #1 08-20-2006, 05:44 PM

I just upgraded my alternator, thanks to this thread.

Pictures - www.pgmfi.org/~firepyroandy

or

New Gaskets, New Seals, New air filter, New oil, New Alternator! New tranny?!?

BoostnBenz · #2 08-20-2006, 08:54 PM

Well my alternator died Monday, ordered the new one Tuesday... it arrived yesterday and I'm now driving around on it. I bought the 80A version on

eBay for $100 (shipped) in rebuilt condition. It actually looks just like new, and carries a 14month warranty. The guy selling them seems pretty decent too, I asked him about the voltage/ amperage output....

Quote:

Hi Jeff,
Actually original Voltage set on this or Bosch alternators are 14V,so if get 13.8V on Idle it's normal voltage and you loose 0.2V on cables which is normal because of old cables and connections you can test direct with a volt meter behind the alternator to battery post and Eng. ground see any difference?,also as you mentioned when turning on A/C,other electric equipment which requires more Amps drops the Voltage to what you are getting around 13V again it's normal (More Amps less Volt and less Amps. More voltage).This alternators give maximum power to battery on even 12V under full load or 80A,so you wont have any problem,and this alternators are one of the best designed ever,with heavy duty parts like rectifiers,and regulators not ganna give you any problem,we sold lot non came back,of course if accompanied with a good battery.
More questions feel free to contact.
Thanks
Henry

Anyways, I didn't rotate the housing. The wiring is almost countersunk in the alternator so there was no big issue with the A/C hose, but I did run a new 6ga wire from the alternator up to the post on the fender where it goes. No huge issues with the swap, I broke the damn tensioner bolt again. Seems like everytime I try to touch that thing it breaks, so I got the MIG welder out and set it straight... no other issues.

300SD81 · #3 08-20-2006, 10:13 PM

I have a 1981 300SD and I want to change my alternator. Can someoneplease confirm this?:

I can get a 115A alt out of a Saab 9000 or 900 at the junk yard.
The 150A alts cannot be used with engines that have a V belt.
Both connectors on the alt are connected together and connected to the distribution box with a size 0 wire.
The recessed connector connects to the thin wire on the current alt.

1985 300SD Sady · #4 08-21-2006, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300SD81

I have a 1981 300SD and I want to change my alternator. Can someoneplease confirm this?:

1. I can get a 115A alt out of a Saab 9000 or 900 at the junk yard.
2. The 150A alts cannot be used with engines that have a V belt.
3. Both connectors on the alt are connected together and connected to the distribution box with a size 0 wire.
4. The recessed connector connects to the thin wire on the current alt.

1. yes, but you need one out of the right year... and it was an option, so not all cars have them.

2. No, the pullys can be swapped... its just a matter of mounting it.

3. which alternator?

4. I believe so, can someone else chime in too?

Hit Man X · #5 08-23-2006, 11:36 PM

I'm in the yards often here and have yet to find one of the 115A units... heck, I've found more sets of Euro lamps than those 115A alts.

#6 09-06-2006, 11:40 AM

I had the Alt tested- bad Rectifier/Diodes. Autozone got me a new one- I had them test it.... bad Rectifier, Autozone ordered another one..Should come in today.. The Saga Continues- I wouldn't Advise a Duralast Alt, they've had a defective batch/run... At least It appears I know what the culprit is.

BoostnBenz · #7 09-06-2006, 06:55 PM

That beats my luck, generally they test them in the store and it shows good then it is dead when I get it or the bearings are bad.... The place I got my Saab from was supposely tested 3X before making it to my door. FWIW the Saab 80A alternator is still functioning perfectly.

#8 09-11-2006, 11:37 AM

Tried another Autozone 115A. Another Mgr said their test machine/computer is not set up to test Saab Alternators & it will always say they failed???? The new one did not work again. Still pulls 3.5-4Amps when off. Think I'm ready to give up and go back to a MB Alternator and Run like heck from anything Saab.

I'll get a refund for the Alt & Core from Autozone. Anyone know of any other ALTernatives? I've heard mention a GM/Delco might be made to fit?
If there are no better bets than Saab/ more power than the MB 65A I'll just go back to stock 65A. I'll try Napa this time & see how I do.

Let me know if you have any Ideas or options. I'll get back about $240 when returning this Saab Alt per I can't get my core back.

gsxr · #9 09-11-2006, 11:43 AM

Sounds to me like the AZ manager or testing machine is defective. Maybe their machine is killing the alternators. The line about their machine not working with Saab alternators is a tall tale to get you to go away. I'd try a different store if possible - NAPA is a good start.

#10 08-21-2006, 07:44 PM

gsxr
Quote:
No. Both large wires go to the same large (B+) terminal. The small wire goes to the "D" terminal. If you have one large wire to the D terminal, it's wired incorrectly.

OK. First I checked the existing wiring- 14v at idle w/o accesories running.
Then I rewired as started above= 11.55 volts and dropping (running on my new Optima battery I assume). Also tried hooking small blue wire from dash light,etc. back to the earlier instructed terminal- recessed in back of alt.=11.55v again....
I rewired back to the old way and back to 14v. at Idle. I tried using a starter/ingnition relay to disconnect the D wire when engine off, but it gets to hot and gets stuck in the on position.... any ideas????

#11 08-23-2006, 10:23 PM

Still no luck with the Alternator swap to a 90' 115a Saab. Relay cooked to death & I was left stranded Again. I would strongly caution anyone trying this after my luck.

I've tried Two new Autozone alternators for a 90' Saab 9k. It works well when the engine is on & drains the battery at 3.5amps when off. I wish I could go back to when I had a dependable car I knew would start everyday & I didn't have to unhook the battery everytime I stopped.
Anyone want to trade a 80Amp Benz alternator for a Saab Alternator? That's what It sounds like I should have done & Just hope it could run all my WVO heaters & mods............. OK done with my rant... I feel better now. Anyone have any Ideas or a Alternator for me? I'll entertain any thoughts at this point.

1985 300SD Sady · #12 08-23-2006, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scramblerguy

Still no luck with the Alternator swap to a 90' 115a Saab. Relay cooked to death & I was left stranded Again. I would strongly caution anyone trying this after my luck.

I've tried Two new Autozone alternators for a 90' Saab 9k. It works well when the engine is on & drains the battery at 3.5amps when off. I wish I could go back to when I had a dependable car I knew would start everyday & I didn't have to unhook the battery everytime I stopped.
Anyone want to trade a 80Amp Benz alternator for a Saab Alternator? That's what It sounds like I should have done & Just hope it could run all my WVO heaters & mods............. OK done with my rant... I feel better now. Anyone have any Ideas or a Alternator for me? I'll entertain any thoughts at this point.

Ill give you a stock alternator from my 1985 300sd with a new voltage regulator (and brushes of course) for your saab alternator. PM me...

MTUpower · #13 10-20-2006, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scramblerguy

Still no luck with the Alternator swap to a 90' 115a Saab. Relay cooked to death & I was left stranded Again. I would strongly caution anyone trying this after my luck.

I've tried Two new Autozone alternators for a 90' Saab 9k. It works well when the engine is on & drains the battery at 3.5amps when off. I wish I could go back to when I had a dependable car I knew would start everyday & I didn't have to unhook the battery everytime I stopped.
Anyone want to trade a 80Amp Benz alternator for a Saab Alternator? That's what It sounds like I should have done & Just hope it could run all my WVO heaters & mods............. OK done with my rant... I feel better now. Anyone have any Ideas or a Alternator for me? I'll entertain any thoughts at this point.

You are the first one I've heard that has attempted this swap and regretted it. Sounds like the rest of your system was not up to snuf to handle the 115 amps or something was wrong with the individual 115 amp alt.

deerefanatic · #14 10-28-2006, 09:57 PM

I just put in a freshly remanned AL129x with 1yr unlimited mileage warranty........cost: $100. And there's more of them where it came from! I'll start a new thread with details in a few days!

Anyone jealous?

Jaysterl · #15 10-29-2006, 12:23 PM

I just bought a reman 80 amp AL69X from a seller on ebay for $115 shipped w/90day waranty, no core charge. I like the no core exchange since my existing 55A works fine but I just want to upgrade. Just added a WVO elect heater which draws 20A, just no way the 55A alt. could handle the extra load.
I hope the 80A will do the trick, I wanted to do a quick drop in replacement with out too much mods on my 1984 W126 300SD. I will make a new dual 8ga wiring harness and save the old one along the OE alternator.
dee, that AL129x you got have any core exchange?