Well today I worked on the car. Removed the alternator and battery and had them tested ( I'll discuss the difficulty in removing the alternator out of the 240D on another post). Both tested good. Upgraded the alternator to a 65
AMP unit at Oreilly's. And tested the new one also which passed. Tested the voltage at the battery and got. 12.8 volts car off. 12.7 volts car running. Tested the voltage at the starter. Same reading. so the wire to the plus side of the battery is good. But I will replace both battery cables while I'm at it.
Talked to the W123 guys at the dealer and we concluded the wire from the alternator to the starter is corroded or broken. So I am in the process of replacing the 2 wires from the alternator to the starter.
I'll post the results tomorrow when I get it done.

I knowautozen feels it inferior products but the battery was tested twice and passed. 2 alternators were installed with identical results so I do agree with the mechanics that it is the wire harness.

Again I will post the results.

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car