Alternator Upgrade? 1980 450SL

[Bryan Harter]

My alternator seems to have rolled over and died. 12.2 v is all I get at the battery. I just read about the idiot light on the dash, will check that later today.

If I do have to replace the alternator (I believe it is the AL68X...68amp), does it make sense to upgrade to the AL69X from a 1990 SEL....they appear to mount the same, but the wires use a screw on lug vs the spade terminal.

I think the spade terminal is a bit small to push 80amps.

Anyone have experience with this upgrade? Does it make sense to do it?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[SunGuy]

Hey Bryan,
How did you determine that the alternator was bad, and not the inexpensively replaceable voltage regulator?

http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1980-Mercedes--Benz-450sl-Engine--Electrical&yearid=1980%40%401980&makeid=63%40%40MERCEDES+BENZ%40%40X&modelid=6281%3AED%7C10000065%3AMBC%7C1537%40%40450SL&catid=240798%40%40Engine+Electrical&subcatid=240870@@Voltage+Regulator&mode=PD

Thanks,

Bob

[Reno4u2]

What about having it rebuilt? Mine went bad and and it rebuilt for about $90.

[meltedpanda]

I have a used one off a 83 380, I think it works and could get it checked if you think it will help

[Bryan Harter]

Picked up a nice alternator from a 91 SEL, mounts the same but has bolts instead of spade connections. So just need to modify the wires to fit.