Take/cut the belt off and see if it starts fine. If so, then you know you have a dragging/locked accessory. You can also spin stuff by hand... I bought my 300SEL with a locked A/C comp.

Furthermore, I would just remove that air pump. I did. It is just for cold starts and more crap to fail.

Pull the alt and check it out. Remove volt regulator and inspect brushes. If they are okay have it tested at a local auto store.

Sounds like you have a few issues all at once.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]