Hello every one.I have a gremlin that I cannot seem to kill.
I have an 1986 300e with 170000 km on it.
I was having current draw problems and that were draining my battery.With the help of the forum I found out that my car alarm was killing it so I removed it.
My car has a new battery 1050 CCA and a new alternator thats putting out 160 amps.(custom built).But when I drive the car at night with the lights,heater, on it will loose power and eventually shut down.
I tested the battery at the shop along with the alternator my readings were 12.75 v at the battery when the car was off.
and 14.2 when the car is running at idle.
My abs light would come on intermittently but I know that the ovp is fine cause I installed a new one .My ABS is working because when I hammer the brakes it kicks in.
All my battery leads and alternator harness are new as well.
I have trouble shot as much as I could but now I am stuck.
Sorry for the long post and I thank you in advance for the help.

Unfortunately, according to the data presented you can't have a problem. That presents a problem.

The OVP definitely isn't a problem as it isn't in position to use current anyway.

The answer to your problem is to find out which of your statements are false. Does that 160amp alternator only produce 160a at 10v? Is it really hooked to the battery? Do you have 200a load?

Realistically, if you wish to monitor the situation an ammeter would be best but kind of impractical to do while driving. A voltmeter could give a real indication. Whenever you are below battery voltage (somewhere around 12.5v) with the motor running, the demand is greater than the alternator output. If the output is really 160a then running at less than 12.5v indicates a larger than 160a load, not likely unless you have a window unit AC mounted on the roof.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Thanks for the info.I figured out the problem.
When I checked out the wiring I noticed that the positive cable comming from the distibution block had shered off thus no current from the alternator was going to the battery.It was held on by the pressure of the cable so when I would go over a bump it would move.Thus causing my intermittent charging problem.
I then recrimped the cable and went for a 4 hr drive with a buddy following me in case it might die but every thing is working ok.

Thanks again

Harry