Battery Running Down

[TAP]

After the transmission in my 87 560 was replaced the battery will run completly down - so low it won't take a charge unless hooked to another battery for a few minuets. I had the battery tested it appears to be o.k.

I remember the guys at the shop complaining about how difficult if was to reinstall the starter (they said it took two hours), and now they are telling me the battery is discharging thru the starter and I need a new one.

Prior to the transmission replacement there were no issues with the starter at all.

Could the starter be wired wrong? Or perhaps damaged during installation? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[280EZRider]

If the starter is wired wrong, it will be most likely wired backwards, in which case it will generate current while spining, rather than consume current. Since this shop messed with it, I would start there. Another possibility is the alternator brushes/regulator are not working. In any case, it has to be something that was done incorrectly at the shop since you had no prior electrical problem.

[Genbiltstein]

How quick is the battery running down? If it started just after they replaced the starter then make them "make it right"

Where I come from it's called "Warranty work" A customer comeback.

You paid a premium for repair and didn't receive it.

If they insist on another starter then demand your old starter. I would mark that starter while it is in the car.

Demand how many amps are drawing down from the battery.

Remove the fuse panel cover from your Mercedes SL and find out if one of those circuits are drawing the current.

Use a multimeter or 12 volt tester and go to each fuse. One lead on the top of that fuse and one lead on the bottom. If the tester lights up then you have the guilty circuit.
You might have a relay that is causing problems.