ok, here is the latest. I followed a tip from a thread to the alternator. when I disconnect the wires to it, the battery light goes out, and she starts right up (with a jump, of course). So, this probably means that my glow plugs are working fine (its 40F today). Now, is it the diode in the alternator, thus the need for a new unit, or is it the sensor thing that I can just get new brushes for?
Paul

82 300D (t)