High Output Alternator for a 1966 M180 230S W111 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

VintageBenz.org · #1 04-06-2010, 01:22 PM

Greetings fellow Vintage Benz owners. Now that the sun has peaked its head through the snow clouds here in Michigan it is time to get the cars out! The wife and I have experienced a few problems on the two voyages we made thus far. On a side note we used the Mercedes road side sign and drive assistance for the first time and were thoroughly impressed.

The issue we have been experiencing has been narrowed down to a potentially bad battery and/or alternator. The odd thing is that the alternator light will come and go being on and off, however the car dies when you remove the cables from the battery regardless of what the light is doing.

We have installed an in car computer (GPS, DVD, etc.) so the electrical draw is higher than what was spec'd out in 66 so I have been looking at replacing both with higher output items anyway. As always I would like to stick with Bosch or other brands that Mercedes Benz uses in production. I have done a brief Google search and have not called Phil yet. So what are your recommendations?

Thank you as always fellow Vintage Benz owners,
Bryan Plaunt

P.S. Those of you you contribute to the solution I end up using will get a free VintageBenz.org email address.

cadurning · #2 04-06-2010, 03:26 PM

Take the alt down to the local alternator shop and ask for a high output version of what you have. A "good" auto electric shop should have no problem with the request. Worst case is that they would have to order in a high output stator. That should only take a couple of days.

JeffreyNMemphis · #3 04-06-2010, 04:21 PM

I think the original generator and voltage regulator setup was 36 amp on the 1959-1965 220S Fintail. Your car may be somewhat different? I converted to a four-phase alternator with built in voltage regulator putting out 96 amps. Have not had a problem with a dead battery or lack of juice.

Necrosavant · #4 04-07-2010, 09:26 AM

on my 62 i got a rebuilt ac delco 120 amp alternator to replace my generator fit in easily

VintageBenz.org · #5 04-13-2010, 04:17 PM

Where did you find this 120 amp alternator and where can I order one? I have been quoted extremely high prices to rebuild mine to a higher amp spec.

280EZRider · #6 04-13-2010, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VintageBenz.org

The odd thing is that the alternator light will come and go being on and off, however the car dies when you remove the cables from the battery regardless of what the light is doing.

.

The car is supposed to die when the battery is disconnected. The ignition, as well as the rest of the electric consummers, takes its power from the battery. The alternator keeps the battery charged. The engine will run, for a while, without the alternator, but not without the battery.

strelnik · #7 04-13-2010, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VintageBenz.org

Greetings fellow Vintage Benz owners. Now that the sun has peaked its head through the snow clouds here in Michigan it is time to get the cars out! The wife and I have experienced a few problems on the two voyages we made thus far. On a side note we used the Mercedes road side sign and drive assistance for the first time and were thoroughly impressed.

The issue we have been experiencing has been narrowed down to a potentially bad battery and/or alternator. The odd thing is that the alternator light will come and go being on and off, however the car dies when you remove the cables from the battery regardless of what the light is doing.

We have installed an in car computer (GPS, DVD, etc.) so the electrical draw is higher than what was spec'd out in 66 so I have been looking at replacing both with higher output items anyway. As always I would like to stick with Bosch or other brands that Mercedes Benz uses in production. I have done a brief Google search and have not called Phil yet. So what are your recommendations?

Thank you as always fellow Vintage Benz owners,
Bryan Plaunt

P.S. Those of you you contribute to the solution I end up using will get a free VintageBenz.org email address.

There's an alternator shop off of Grand River and 7 MIle W in Redofrrd Michigan. They can give you the next step up for your alternator needs in a Bosch. They may even have one on the shelf. When I get back we can talk, am in Wash DC.

wbain5280 · #8 04-13-2010, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffreyNMemphis

I think the original generator and voltage regulator setup was 36 amp on the 1959-1965 220S Fintail. Your car may be somewhat different? I converted to a four-phase alternator with built in voltage regulator putting out 96 amps. Have not had a problem with a dead battery or lack of juice.

I'd like to see that 4 phase alternator.

compress ignite · #9 04-14-2010, 03:27 AM

Mumbles ,while wrapping NiChrome around outside of the Alternator.

Necrosavant · #10 04-14-2010, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VintageBenz.org

Where did you find this 120 amp alternator and where can I order one? I have been quoted extremely high prices to rebuild mine to a higher amp spec.

.
i got it from my local alternator shop for 98$

JeffreyNMemphis · #11 04-14-2010, 09:33 AM

Actually, a previous owner had already converted the generator to alternator on my car. Mine was not working (or so I thought) so I replaced it with the exact same product number, rebuilt as I recall, from O'Reilly. When I installed the new alternator, I had to make some changes to correct the flow of charge to the battery. The other alternator may not have been bad, but the wiring was definitely wrong. No problems again since that was straightened out.

I am late for work or I would crawl under and take some pictures, get the part number for you. Maybe after work? Let me know if a part number would help...

VintageBenz.org · #12 04-14-2010, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Let me know if a part number would help...

Yes it would. I'm know as "The Mercedes Guy" at the local O'Rielly's and plan to go talk to Kevin, the guy who always helps me, on my way home from the office. I have the original Bosch 224705 which came off of my 66 so that we can match up mounting points with an alternator that puts out over 100 amps.

I have to go run and shoot photos of a customer's sweet old Caddy. I will be back in a few.

VintageBenz.org · #13 04-14-2010, 05:22 PM

This is why I had to cut my last post short. What I was going to ask was if the "actuating" wires were needed or if I could get by with a GM one wire. I need to pick up a new battery too because mine is only putting out 7.5 volts.

280EZRider - I always thought you check an alternator by pulling the battery cable and if it kept running the Alternator was good.

Hopefully they have one that matches the mounting points that puts out 100+ amps!

VintageBenz.org · #14 04-14-2010, 11:16 PM

Well that part number would be greatly appreciated. We looked through many alternators and found an exact match in 120 amp, however it was for a driver's side mount. I am going to call the local alternator shop in the morning to see what options the have.

Thank you all for the help.

cadurning · #15 04-15-2010, 08:21 AM

Nice shot of the Caddy. Any more pics or info?