250C Charging Problem
 

Our trusty 250C suddenly developed battery/charging problems. Here are the facts:

1. battery drains/no start
2. battery takes full charge from external charger
3. Cleaned terminals, replaced both positive and negative lugs
4. Car starts! Hot damn!
5. Drive car a bit (no generator light, no apparent problem) and eventually it won't start again.
6. Charge battery again using external charger
7. Voltage test: 12.6v @ idle; same @ 2k rpm ; 11.2v @ 2k rpm with full accessory load (lites, radio).

So.... my guess is regulator (since generator lite is not illuminating while engine runs (it does at engine stop with key in "on" position, as it should). Is this accurate?

Also - where the heck IS the regulator in this car? 1972 250C

Any help would be deeply appreciated!!

Steve

Regulator is on passenger side fender well, if original. New Bosch is about $11.
Had the same experience a couple of months back, but it was the alternator. The new one has an internal regulator, lifetime Bosch, for $80. You may want to bench test before buying parts.