Broken down in Virginia - alternator?
 

Hey all,

It's 11:30 now, I was on my way from NC to MD for a wedding, when my '77 300d's instrument lights started fading. It was turning on the heat that did it, then the radio went out, then the HEADLIGHTS went out on the interstate. I think I'm at mile marker 273 on northbound I-81. Anyway, pretty sure it's the alternator.

Does anyone have a recommendation for alternators? That is, I seem to remember there are certain ones to avoid and ones that work well. There aren't a lot of parts stores around here to choose from, but there is a NAPA. Anybody out there had to replace one in a 300? I've heard they're a PITA.

Thanks in advance for your $.02

Brian

How Many miles on your Voltage Regulator ?
 

That's a quick easy fix.
(Although not on the side of a darkened interstate.)

Parts from NAPA's website

[If there's any way you can get a trickle charge on the Battery Overnight...
it'll make the replacement Alt's job easier.
(They're not meant to "Bring a Battery from death's Door]

When morning comes, can't you get a jump start and drive back home with no electrics?

are you on interstate 81/If so how far from Tennessee?

Yes, I'm going to get charged up and drive back in the daylight. As for Tennessee, I'm a few hundred miles away.

Curious if anyone has a recommendation for a brand/type of alternator for this car? Thanks.

I would buy a voltage regulator which is easily replaceable and has only two screws.

What town or city is close to mile marker 273?

Warren, the town here is Mt. Jackson. The guy who runs the service station next door is not friendly to a weary traveler! The next town south is New Market. I'm 30-50 miles south of Winchester.

How can you tell if it's the voltage regulator vs. the alternator? The guy at the shop here won't help at all.

Also, how far can I go (estimated) on a full battery charge with no alternator during the daylight hours in a 300d? Anyone ever tried it?

Thanks.

Since it's a diesel, you can go for miles and miles. See if you can remove the regulator, two screws, and look at the brushes. If they are really short it needs a new one.

A VERY long time if you don't use the lights or the heater fan :) Forever if you never shut the car off and don't care about brake lights...

-J

Thanks guys. That's what I'm going to do, J, especially since there's no alternator to be found around here, anywhere. That plus a very unfriendly shop.

Warren, exactly where is the voltage regulator located? Thanks.

The voltage regulator is on the back of the alternator. If you look at the images CI posted you'll see it, in the 2nd one it's the black box on the top:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/....-22-02.29.gif

The small box on the bottom is a capacitor which filters out noise so the radio doesn't whine.

-J

Thanks, J. Battery's charging right now and then I head down the road, hopefully to a town where alternators are available!