Alternator Pulley Crack 1987 300TDT - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 01-27-2003, 03:49 PM

Hi There, quick question,

My 87 300TDT died on me last night, the alternator pulley cracked completely off. Now my question is the alternator and the v-belt were replaced by the MB dealer on 12/18/02, would the pulley have been replaced at that time, is it connected to the alternator? The dealer is giving me hassles by saying that the pulley cracked off and has nothing to do with the alternator. Please give me some advice on this. Also Phil recommended that the v-belt be replaced also since it may have become frayed which I totally agree with, but now am wondering about all of the costs involved. Thanks for any help on this subject!

haasman · #2 01-27-2003, 04:20 PM

Alertnators usually do not come with the pulley, BUT some do.

Q: Did the dealer replace the alternator with a Mercedes unit? If so, call the dealership parts department and asked them, do their alternators come with the pulley!

Next, all work done by the dealership is guarenteed for 6 mos or 6k miles. I would think that since you brought your car to the experts that they would have

A) seen the crack

B) possibly installed the old pulley too tightly on their new alternator. or

C) would want you to continue to come to their business and give you the benefit of the doubt.... maybe you buy a new pulley and they put it on for you. I would think this is a VERY reasonable request. We are talking one month.

Let us know,

Haasman

#3 01-27-2003, 06:21 PM

Well here we go! Already getting flak from the dealer whom I had already bought a C280 previously from. Parts department says pulley unit comes with alternator, service advisor says no, I asked parts specifically about my alternator for a W124 87 diesel. Either way this is going to cost 425 bucks on top of the 560 already spent for the new alternator. Seriously considering a Subaru!

haasman · #4 01-27-2003, 06:34 PM

NO!

Push.

YOU have been TOLD by THE DEALERSHIP parts department that the pulley comes with the alternator.

If in the event the Service Advisor is right, it is easy to see whether it is a new or and old pulley.

PUSH back on them. YOU are THEIR customer. It is THEIR job to instill trust in this relationship.

Go to the Service Manager. BE nice, BE firm. If he has the same line, go to the General Manager. BE nice, BE firm. If this doesn't work, email me and I'll send you more ways to ratchet this upper the MBZ customer satisfaction chain.

Push, you'll see, it will work out.

Haasman

#5 01-28-2003, 06:28 AM

Thanks for the advice Haasman, I did pressure the service advisor and the service manager, but the manager was worse and was defensive from word one. If the problem had occurred on an old part then I would have taken it to German Car Service which is an independent shop that services Mercedes. Sigh! But hey, I want the car fixed and though I don't want to part with my money ( I already paid high for it!) there really is little left to do about it. But lesson learned and I should take a look at the item more carefully when it leaves their shop. I still believe that they over tensioned the V belt. However if anyone ever had one of these pulleys shear right off the alternator on you, let me know, and again, thanks for the support Haasman

haasman · #6 01-28-2003, 09:25 AM

I would contact the District Service Manager. Tell him the story. Here is the customer service contact info the MBZ N.A.:

[1] 800-367-6372

CACINTERNET@MBUSA.COM

Let us know,

Haasman

#7 01-30-2003, 08:24 PM

The service manager was very nice to waive labor hours and asked that I pay for the parts and for the tow service which is quite reasonable to me. However it is very interesting because they did get the pulley part, but have now discovered that the alternator fan also seized and needs to be replaced. Apparently the seized fan caused crystallization of the metal and caused the pulley to shear off the alternator. Now the service people at our local MB dealer is saying they never saw anything like that happen before. So I am wondering, is there a problem with the parts that are on the OM603 engine? I know that this particular engine can be problematic in comparison with other diesels, but am I to assume that even ancillary parts like the alternator are prone to breakage? Oh and thanks for your support haasman, it helped me a lot

haasman · #8 01-30-2003, 09:14 PM

RYT867

You are welcome. That's what this group is for. I am glad that you pushed and they responded. I think you struck a reasonable deal considering all the questions…. Which of course continue.

Crystallization of the alternator fan .... hmmm sorry for the pause here .... I am savoring this ....

If the alternator pulley was installed wrong causing it to split or crack, that sounds like over tightening. Then the problem also was extended to the same alternator fan, which is behind THE pulley, which is part of the new alternator, I honestly feel the dealership owns it. Whether you want to do something about it or not, at this point is of course something separate.

I don't think this is an across the board problem. You could of course search the diesel section of the forum.

In thinking this through more, I see it this way: You in good faith brought your car in to have the alternator replaced. The dealership replaced it with one of theirs. The pulley cracked and then the alternator fan behind the cracked pulley crystallized. It is related. They should pick up the whole bill.

In conclusion, the parts person told you the pulley came with the new alternator. Did they show you the cracked pulley? Was it shiny, as in new or dull as had been transferred from you original alternator?

Often, techs with good intentions will over-tighten alternator pulley nuts, you know, to make sure it won't come off. I don't have the torque spec handy but it is good amount.

I again have to recommend that you contact the Mercedes-Benz District Service Manager.

Sorry this is long again, but those are my thoughts.

Haasman

#9 01-31-2003, 08:29 AM

I knew you would want to really let this one sit on your palate for awhile since I was hanging on the phone for a good twenty seconds with the service advisor as I contemplated the meaning of "crystallization" of the metal...Would Mercedes, which puts out a vehicle that is a world standard have metal parts that "crystallize" and fracture under extreme heat??? and exactly what is extreme heat? I dont know at this point Haasman, but I think in a way the dealer has won because I just want my car back now. I am seriously considering putting my wagon on the market.

haasman · #10 01-31-2003, 11:00 AM

RYT867

Call the Distric Service Manager. They are there to solve situations like this. If you have a reasonable doubt, which you do, I think you'll find they will work with you. Call the dealership, ask for the service department, as for the name and telephone # of the DSM.

-Was the "bad" pulley a new one (came with the new alternator)?

-The crystallization issue should not be something that you, the customer, bringing your car to an authorized dealer, should have to even determine let alone deal with.

If it is a bad pulley (very unsual) from MBZ they will definately stand behind it. You have a warranty on the work done. If it is a dealership installation problem, this will quickly come out and they will be obligated to take care of the whole thing.

Give it a try.