Thanks for the great info, but I think I just found out why my car has been having trouble starting in the morning...

I just found out from (and walked home from) my mechanic that my alternator is going bad, so I am having it replaced. I have several additional electric accessories installed (VegTherm Mega, Greasecar kit - doesn't use much, but some - and 3 stereo amplifiers. What can I say, I am a jazz musician, so I am an audiophile - I like to listen to jazz in the car and actually HEAR the bass solos!!) so I am considering having the stock alternator replaced with the gasser model with a higher (85 amp) output instead of the lower (60 amp) output of the standard model for the car. Is that a wise decision or should I reconsider? Am I completely out to lunch on this???

Thanks for all the help here - you guys are seriosuly helping save my butt on these (diesel) cars!

__________________
Autos:
1991 350SD 276,000 miles
2001 VW Beetle TDI 115,000 miles

Horns:
1955 Selmer Mark VI Alto (55,xxx)
1958 Selmer Mark VI Tenor (85,xxx)
1964 Selmer Mark VI Tenor (125,xxx)
1967 King Super-20 Tenor (430,xxx)
2002 Selmer Series III Soprano

For Jazz Saxophone enthusiasts - check out my website...
www.RustyBlevins.com

That is a wise decision.

Thanks Brian - now I feel better! (Except for the fact that I know this will be an expensive repair!)

Do I have the amp numbers correct? The diesel alternator is 60 amps and the gas alternator is 85 amps?

__________________
Autos:
1991 350SD 276,000 miles
2001 VW Beetle TDI 115,000 miles

Horns:
1955 Selmer Mark VI Alto (55,xxx)
1958 Selmer Mark VI Tenor (85,xxx)
1964 Selmer Mark VI Tenor (125,xxx)
1967 King Super-20 Tenor (430,xxx)
2002 Selmer Series III Soprano

For Jazz Saxophone enthusiasts - check out my website...
www.RustyBlevins.com