Info needed for benz that hates the cold

[82benzo]

I have a 1982 300sd
-Almost everytime i start the car i need it to be jumped, i don't know if this is due to the glow plugs needing extra power in the cold
-when i drive my battery light goes on and off
-i need a new water pump badly so i don't know if this is effecting it
-the belts are fine and so are the connections for the battery, no open wires or anything
- my radio dies when i'm driving, it turns on and off as well, probably due to the battery

should i just go out and get a new alternator or maybe get a newer more stronger battery like a marine battery?

[82benzo]

i should also add that when my car dies everytime (usually after a few hours of leaving it) it basically dies completely where it doesn't even make a cranking sound and the lights are very dim

[82benzo]

Any suggestions anyone?

[whunter]

Electrical system test.
Replace water pump before engine is damaged.
Replace battery if over four years old.


Vehicle: 1982 Mercedes Benz 300SD
Part: Voltage Regulator
--------------------------------------------------
Voltage Regulator
Bosch 0.192.062.007
External. Previous 002 154 18 06 = Bosch 0 192 052 006 or 1 197 311 090 are still available from Bosch and maybe prefered by customer in replacing item with like item.
----------------------------------------------------
Voltage Regulator

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1O318DB3D1OD0WO0NY&year=1982&make=MB&model=300-SD-002&category=All&part=Voltage+Regulator


PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES
Vehicle 1982 Mercedes Benz 300SD
Part: Alternator
Note: AL 117x
65 amp.
F4000-10010 Alternator 65amp - Remanufactured Bosch IN STOCK $163.49

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1O318DB3D1OD0WO0NY&year=1982&make=MB&model=300-SD-002&category=All&part=Alternator

[82benzo]

how much does a electrical system test go for? what is a average price for a battery? can i put a marine battery in my car for extra power?

[tryan]

old 911's and 914's use the dash light wiring for the 'exciter' current for the alt. check the fuse for the alt and clean the fuse contacts. you are not charging for some reason.

key switch going bad?

what does a volt meter across the battery show running and not running.

50 amp fuse blown on the firewall?

do not get a 'marine battery' it does not have the amperage that you need for a car.

[82benzo]

ok, do you know how much a batt goes for btw on average? when my dad gets home i'll check the amps, what is a firewall? i know what is on a computer but not in a car.

[Brian Carlton]

The fact that the radio is intermittent and the alternator light is illuminating is a clear signal that the alternator is not performing properly.

So, find yourself a rebuilt alternator and install it. Then see if the existing battery is sufficient to do the job.

If it's not, go down and buy a group 49 battery from Autozone. It will do the job and it carries a good warranty that is valid at any Autozone with just your telephone number. The cost was recently $70.00. Unbeatable.

[82benzo]

i have a w126 300sd, i don't know if thats the same as what you're talking about

[82benzo]

is the alternator hard to put in? maybe i can ask the mechanic to do it when he does my water pump, he said he'd do the water pump for about $175, is that normal or expensive for that? he was recommended by the mercedes dealership and i see that he works on a lot of these cars. i also

[whunter]

Originally Posted by 82benzo

is the alternator hard to put in? maybe i can ask the mechanic to do it when he does my water pump, he said he'd do the water pump for about $175, is that normal or expensive for that? he was recommended by the Mercedes dealership and i see that he works on a lot of these cars. i also

Relax, breath slowly.
There is no cause for fear or panic.
Changing the alternator is not bad, if you have tools, do you?
Price for water pump R&R is OK, and it should be only a few dollars more for the alternator R&R.

hyperventilation
noun {U} SPECIALIZED
breathing too quickly and so causing too much oxygen to enter the blood:
- Hyperventilation can be caused by fear or panic.

[82benzo]

lol alright thanks, hhmm maybe i'll buy the parts and ask him if he can throw them both in there while he has the belts off

[82benzo]

Here are the OHM readings:

Before start: 12.43
Turning key (car did not turn over): 5.14
Reading after that went up to a little over 10
When i plugged in the battery charger it went up to over 13

this car causes so many problems

[JMan300sd]

Sounds like the alternator combined with a battery that wont hold a charge. A new battery at sears with a warranty is like $109. A new water pump is like $75 and is not that hard to put in (one of my first DIY jobs ever, takes like an hour). Ive never changed an alternator, but with the proper tools it cant be that bad. I paid a reallly good generator shop to throw a beautiful rebuilt one in with new wiring and everything for $125. These three things for at most around 300 dollars would solve your problems. Just make sure your water pump is the problem before you pull it out.

[dkveuro]

The most likley cause, according to your complains, is the alternator regulator...touched on by one of the previous posters.

It is easy to change and needs a short flat blade screwdriver and a new Voltage Regulator...Bosch of course.

The brushes that wipe the current from the slip rings inside the alternator wear away and no longer firmly contact the slip rings. This causes them to bounce during operation and make and break charge current to the battery which also results in the dash charge lamp flickering.

Before doing anything, check fast idle voltage at the battery terminals...should read a steady 13.45 to 14.20 vdc.....if lower or fluctuates....instal new regulator, and re-test for that voltage.