I figured that I had a bad voltage regulator so I ordered one from Phil. He had two choices, either a Bosch or a German, so I chose the German.
Received my order today, and promptly went to install the voltage regulator. Anyway upon removing the old one, did notice that the carbon stacks were worn, with one especially cupped out and worse than the other. I compared the one I removed(which I think was a Bosch) to the one I was going to install(the German), and I noticed the new one had a long metal flexible tab on it, which the old one did not. I just assumed this was for contact, but I couldnt see inside of the alternator to see what it was supposed to press against. Anyway, I could not get the regulator to fit all the way into the alternator. I did try and bend the little tab upwards, and then I could get it to go in, with just a little "spring type" resistance, until I could get both screws started. I put a volt meter on my battery while the car was idleing, and it was putting out 13.8 volts, when I revved the motor up, it went up to 14.4 volts. However, when idleing, I still have the alternator light come on real faint, until I increase the throttle. Is this typical, or did I do something wrong with the little metal tab on the regulator? Does the bosch have the same metal tab, or is it more like my original I removed? I turned my lights on for about 15 minutes while the car was at idle, then checked with my voltmeter again. This time, with car at idle, it was only showing 12.85 volts. When I increased the throttle, it raised to 13.5 then after a short bit, on up to 14.4. Just curious if this is performing correctly, can you advise?
thanks,
Jim

__________________
1979 Mercedes 240D (Sold to a neighbor last year,now I have room for a new one,looking for a 300D this time)
1980 Mercedes 240D(bought for a parts car, but I have fun driving it!)