Internal or external voltage regulator...I'm confused. Where to get brushes?

[kalpol]

I'm having trouble locating a new set of brushes for the alternator on my 1979 280SE. Everyone is telling me the car has an external voltage regulator (i.e., metal box someplace) and I can't replace brushes, yet I see the little round black object on the back of the alternator with two standard screws which I always thought was the voltage regulator and brush set. If there's an external regulator, where would it be? If the alternator was upgraded at some point, did someone accidentally hook it up with two regulators? This is a European model, did they do things differently (I've found a lot of stuff seems to be a year o two ahead on the Euro models, maybe it's a 126 chassis setup?)? Are all the voltage regulators / brush packs the same? I thought about swapping some out from the 65-amp Bosch in my Fiat but don't want to blow things up (worse).

[vox_incognita]

Well, according to this site:
http://www.ts-server24.de/ats/default.asp -browse it,it`s very useful...
you may have either type of alternators (external or internal VR).
The external type voltage regulator looks like:

or:


The internal VR alternator looks like:


The external VR altern. would`ve looked like:


You can change the 2 small brushes if you have an Ext.Reg.but on my model I had to disassemble the generator and care must be taken not to break the brush holder-well,I did-(remove the 2 small bolts at the backside beforehand).The rotor reinstall is also tricky for the same reason.
The built-in regulator replacement here:

http://www.dieselgiant.com/mercedesvoltageregulatorinstall.htm

[abe g]

Try Bosch rebuilt alternators at any decent auto parts. They supply an internal regulator built on rebuilt unit to bypass external regulator.Good luck, Abe G

[ctaylor738]

I took a look in the EPC, and it's very confusing for european cars for this model. An external regulator is shown, but only used on some models. There must be 25 different electrical options for hot and cold weather and special equipment. I would suggest going into the EPC with your VIN.

[kalpol]

Originally Posted by ctaylor738

I took a look in the EPC, and it's very confusing for european cars for this model. An external regulator is shown, but only used on some models. There must be 25 different electrical options for hot and cold weather and special equipment. I would suggest going into the EPC with your VIN.

Looks like I have the internal regulator. That helps a lot - now at least i know what to ask for. I have the EPC, never installed it though. I'll poke around and see what i find.

Thanks!

[vox_incognita]

No need to install it,just type in your VIN here:
http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb.asp
Did the search,there are 2 types of int.regulators for your vehicle,both types are available on the Fastlane (35$$)-Bosch,the brushes are around 8$$ the set(Bosch)


Good luck!

[Apodman]

I did the fix on my 78 280E. Brushes are on the back of the alternator, behind panel noted above with two screws. It's a pretty easy job with delicate fingers and some wiggling around. Fixed the dimming headlights when wipers were turned on. Good luck.

[uranian]

to Vox: thanks! I had exactly the same question, been fighting my engine to ID parts for weeks now, even with the EPC, and that linked site and your sage advice have pointed me in the right direction.