Make sure the positive cable connection at the battery is good, too -- if it's loose or corroded, the alternator can go berzerk and put out 18V or more, not good for the electrical stuff!

A bad positive wire connection at the alternator or a bad alternator ground can do the same thing -- the regulator looses it's voltage reference.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!