To monitor charge current of your alternator, clamp-on ammeter should be on the B+ terminal, not D+. I'd like to see you do that while you drive.

What you want to do is monitor voltage while you drive. It should be pretty steady. If you see a sudden dip in voltage, pull over and investigate with your ammeter.

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 167,870 July 2025
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked