1995 E320 Wagon serious electrical issues - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

GregoryV022 · #16 03-14-2013, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilly

Jim, although we don't know if it's the original alternator or not, so what I would have done is pull the VR and check the condition of the (loss of tech term here) the rings the brushes press against. Can sort of tell by how deep the grooves are that are made by the brushes.

Okay guys, here is the update. I am now extremely confused. Also I don't know if it is the original alternator for that car, but the literally last week did the 6 digit rollover to 200K

So the new voltage regulator arrived today. It looks like this.

This is what the back of my alternator looks like.

On another thread. Here.
Voltage Regulator replacement --- Easy

Everything Looks different. What is going on here. Help.

EDIT: For more info

97 SL320 · #17 03-14-2013, 07:19 PM

That might be a Valeo alternator, the reg you have is for a Bosch type.

Gilly · #18 03-14-2013, 07:20 PM

Oh man is that weird, never seen an alternator or VR like that, but I see there is a curve to the brushes as though it goes in "from the side" someplace. Big weird bracket on the back of the alternartor is sort of what it looks like. I hate to say it but I thinkI'd almost want to pull the alternator off to try this. Might be possible to do it installed but just don't know. Thought I would at least say something about it.

Gilly · #19 03-14-2013, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

That might be a Valeo alternator, the reg you have is for a Bosch type.

That's the thing, it doesn't look like a Bosch regulator either, nor does the alternator.

Gilly · #20 03-14-2013, 07:30 PM

Yeah pretty sure it's a valeo, did you already take off the plastic cover?:
Diy: Valeo alternator rebuild - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

GregoryV022 · #21 03-14-2013, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilly

Yeah pretty sure it's a valeo, did you already take off the plastic cover?:
Diy: Valeo alternator rebuild - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

Afrer a bit a of looking, Yes, this is the valeo alternator. Would not have guessed that ever. Yes this is after the back cover is off. On the pelican parts site there is two brands of alternator. Bosch and Valeo. I just didn't notice it till now. I wish there was a picture of the Valeo regulator.

But now that that is solved. How the hell do I get the voltage reg out of this thing.

EDIT: Figured it out. Its important to remove ALL the bolts BEFORE attempting part removal. *facepalm*

These brushes are gone

97 SL320 · #22 03-14-2013, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilly

That's the thing, it doesn't look like a Bosch regulator either, nor does the alternator.

The new reg is Bosch for use with small slip rings. My SL320 has the new style Bosch.

The Valeo unit is built up like new Bosch. ( And late 90's GM with the diode plate outside the housing and very small slip rings. )

Gilly · #23 03-15-2013, 04:55 AM

Got it, the surprising thing is this car is really "my era", I worked on MB from about 1993 to 2003, so why didn't I ever see one of these??? Hmmmmm. Must be good alternators!!

vince · #24 03-15-2013, 07:37 AM

As Gilly pointed out earlier it would be a good idea to look at the slip rings. If the brushes are that worn the slip rings are likely very worn also. If the slip rings are badly worn the voltage regulator fix is likely "temporary" as Jim Freeh pointed out.

Gilly · #25 03-15-2013, 03:59 PM

Well I'd be sure to look. I don't know if I'd say its really "likely" the slip rings are worn, but when the reg is out is definitely the time to be sure. Not sure what amount is acceptable, off the top of my head I'd say if the grooves seem to be deeper than 1/16 to 1/8" it's probably time for a new alternator. But I'm sort of a tightwad..

GregoryV022 · #26 03-15-2013, 06:55 PM

Well. It has been decided by my father that we are going to replace the Alternator with a Bosch model. We cannot find the Valeo Voltage regulator anywhere.

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Gilly · #27 03-15-2013, 09:31 PM

Make sure you get the head checked for flatness (there is a fancier word for this but I don't "do" fancy).

Anyone know how this comment ended up here? I was replying to the oil in the coolant thread, then checked this thread and the comment is HERE??? Weird.

GregoryV022 · #28 03-15-2013, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilly

Make sure you get the head checked for flatness (there is a fancier word for this but I don't "do" fancy).

Anyone know how this comment ended up here? I was replying to the oil in the coolant thread, then checked this thread and the comment is HERE??? Weird.

When i had the head from the 603 machined I believe the term was "In Plane"

Magic? Idk. I'm as lost an you on that one.

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Paul T · #29 03-19-2013, 09:32 PM

?How about an update?

GregoryV022 · #30 03-19-2013, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul T

?How about an update?

I posted before that I we are replacing the the whole alternator with a Bosch unit. The Valeo Voltage regulator is a special order only part and its about $160 part.

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