So about a week ago now, my alternator went kaput when I was driving and the pulley wiggled its way off the alternator.

I checked the alternator and it didn't have any play and spun freely.. Does that mean the alternator is ok and I could put another pulley on it and re-use it? It was charging perfectly fine and well. Prior to this, it just rattled a lot and you could see it going in-and-out.

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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k

AND , If the Threads on the Alt Shaft that normally permit securing the Pulley
are not "Buggered Up" ... Why Not

Do let me ask :
"Why,in the name of all that's mechanical and capable of movement, Did
you not RECTIFY the impending catastrophe when you SAW the Pulley's
erratic movements ?"

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

Can't imagine you doing this.

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.

X2. Must be a joke.

Not everyone has time, I work 7 days a week most times 9 hour days and drive a company vehicle. It was rattling lightly for about two days before it let go. I have other vehicles to drive. I had a newer one in the trunk if it let go and took me about 30 minutes to change.

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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k

Just proof that even good techs occasionally have their "whoops" moments. Nobody's perfect.

If the shaft isn't all chewed up, I'd say bolt the new pulley on and drive on.

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Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Are you talking about a solid pulley or overrunning pulley?

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CENSORED due to not family friendly words

^×2, that was first thought that came to my mind.

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Jim

I'm not quite sure of the difference. It was a removable pulley.

Yup. Lack of time. I don't let stuff go like this normally, or I'll just stop driving it until I do have time. but I was in the process of going to pick up outer tie rods for my other e300 as it went. It gave me a two day notice.

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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k

Let's back up a minute, what kind of car is it? if 98/99 E300 then it is an over run pulley which can go bad and is easy to replace.

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Jim

I must admit this is the first I've heard of the overrun alternator pulley. A search reveals that it sure seems like a good development. Anybody know if retrofitting older cars with them is wise or doable? I'm not finding much on that.

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

Yes, I retrofitted my 87 300d and 93 190e. It makes a big difference especially if you're using an alternator over 90a.
http://youtu.be/DGI9XLuhaYY

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CENSORED due to not family friendly words

If you're running anything less than a 90A alternator (stock was more like 70A on the SDL's) they aren't needed. You can add one if you want, it's your money, but it won't make any difference on the smaller alternators.

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

I've seen one of my cheap friends install a fixed pulley on his 98 E300 too.

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Jim

My 190e has a 70a alternator. The OAP made the tensioner stop rattling at idle and no more squeak on start up and shut down. For the $28 I think it's an excellent retrofit.

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CENSORED due to not family friendly words