James,

Sounds like the alternator. Check the connector at the alternator, ensure continuity back to the large starter cable.

I have managed to adjust valves in the past before I bought the wrench set, but you need to make sure you have enough bad words lined up before you start, it's challenging without the wrench set.

Good luck,

------------------
Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 516K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles