My thanks to engatwork for his correct diagnosis.

Since originally posting my inquiry, I had determined that the alternator would charge adequately at sufficiently high rpms, and also that it would charge better when cold than when warm.

This morning, I removed the brushes/regulator, very easily done, and replaced it with an aftermarket set which I had bought locally. Unfortunately, aftermarket was too far after, which took my marginal charging system to no system at all. So, I cleaned the contacts on the old, well worn, set and reinstalled it. For now, the alternator is charging perfectly.

However, now that I've seen the condition of the brushes and how easily they are replaced, I know I'll need to replace the set soon. I find on the Net two choices, oem Bosch at $43.90 and aftermarket KAE at $14.95. Both look identical to the Bosch I removed, unlike the TransPro set which didn't work.

What is your collective recommendation: should I go for the Bosch or the KAE? What makes Bosch so frightfully expensive?


Best,

Phil
'85 300D
'84 Euro 300D