Can someone help? I just bought a replacement alternator for my 88 300TE. I don't know how to loosen the belt to get the old alternator out. A mechanic installed the last 2 alternators, but I thought I would try this one.
This is the 3rd alternator in 2 years. anyone got any idea as to why the alternators keep burning out?
Thanks

dvf2001,

First off ...Welcome !

The Belt is loosed by the tensioning device...Read Carfully ..You must loosen the adjuster nut just out of site located just Below the power steering pulley.If you get in that vacinity with a flashlight you will see it. If I remember correctly it is a 16mm. You only need to loosen it a few turns, It doesn't need to come out. Then you can loosen the adjuster nut up top. Its the brass looking hollow 13mm next to the water pump. Be gentle with it they tend to strip.. and if it does it can be a nightmare. once loose you should have more than enough slack to remove the alternator.

Are you sure the alternator is the problem and not the voltage regulator? The VR is bolted to the Alt. and is a 20$ part much easier fix and well worth trying before the alt. install.

Good Luck

__________________
Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776

After reading numerous posts last night after my initial post, I decided to try the VR first. I will go to MB this morning and pick it up. Thanks to everyone here, I have a new education about my MB.

The 1986-89 W124 chassis 300E's use the same alternator as the 190E 2.3. JUST not enough amps to power the car esp in the summer with A/C running all of the time.
On the 1990-92 cars they changed to an 80A alternator & all of those charging problems went away.
Somewhat simple to convert to from the early 65-70A alternator.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
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44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I went to my MB Dealer part dep't. They wanted $96.00 for the voltage regulator, and the brushes were seperate and not in stock. I came home and installed the rebuilt alternator in less than 1 hour. Car runs fine. I will be ordering a spare VR to keep in the vehicle.
Thanks for all your help