I have a 1972 250. When I drive at night with the headlights they seem to be very dim. Also when I turn the rear deforster on with the headlights on the headlights go very dim to dim. I was thinking that it is the battery. This is becuase the battery was bought new in 1991 and the car was mostly just seating.

When I put the car into reverse I hear a ticking sound coming from the engine. I can't find what it is? Any ideas..

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Shea

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With the car off put a meter acroos the battery. You should have 11-12v. Start the car and check it again you should have 13.5-14.2v. This is your alternator output. your alternator puts out a little more voltage than the battery needs so it will charge. If you have low output from the alternator first check the belt, it must be farly tight. Next thing to check is the voltage regulator, it should be mounted on top off the alternator with two screws. If you pull the alternator/ regulator assembly and take it to autozone they will check it for free. They will also test your battery. Also make sure the connector on top of the alternator is clean and also battery cables/terminals.

If you have a 10 year-old battery, it is living on borrowed time and should be replaced. I am amazed that it will start the car.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

That is what I thought.

Any ideas about the ticking sound that starts when I put the car into reverse gear? This only happens when I start the car cold.

Also would like to know what the normal operating temp. of these cars. Mine runs about 175, too me this hot!!

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Shea

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Normal temp is about where the thermostat opens. Watch the temp rise and it will reach a point and then fall a bit and then rise again. That point where it dropped back down is the thermostat opening.

Going up the next white line is probably OK under most situations.

-CTH

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http://www.111lakeside.com/

BTW, 175 degrees farenheit is completely normal. In hot weather the temp may rise to 200 degrees, still ok.

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Regards,
Aaron

Thanks for the information. I will be getting a new battery in the next few days and I will post here what happens.


Thanks,

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Shea

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