electrical problems 86 560SL

[RICHR]

HAVE A 560 SL 86
electrical I have a problem with neither battery or alternator .I start the car with a new charge on the batterty and the car run fine but after a few minutes running the engine cuts out and when I turn the key the batterry is dead . I have to recharge again and then starts up again runs fine then turns off . the batterty maybe bad or alternator bad.What else may it be?

I also hear a raddle infront of engine . I shake the water pump and that feels fine, all belts are tight power streering pumpe tight a/c works good .Any thought on that??

when car is driving the wind shield wipes go on by them selfs and the switch is on the off possition Any thoughts on that??

I know im say alot here i just lost my job and have time to work on it.
That you very much
Richard R
rpba55@hotmail.com

[david s poole]

sounds like bearings in alternator bad and grounds out battery when engine running.charge batt and get voltmeter check batt voltage with key off and then start car measure voltage again with engine running if alt bad voltage will be lower with engine running.

[the tenor man]

I once ruined a good alternator with a shorted battery...

The battery did hold a slight charge, and I was able to get the car started. The wrinkle was the battery had a shorted cell, and burnt the alternator.

After a new battery and a rebuilt alternator, the problem was solved...$$$.

Pull out the voltage regulator on the back of the alternator...2 phillips screws to remove it... and check out the brushes...they may also be worn.

The Tenor Man