As the title states my voltage drops a bit to much with just a small load so I'm thinking it just needs a new bolt on regulator for the alternator, right?

The problem: car starting slower than normal and battery dieing easier, even with a new battery.

Test: Voltage at battery with car running at idle, just fan and radio on, 13.5V, with previous and parking lights, 13.0V, with previous and headlights, 12.5V. I didn't try revving it up, but this is a bad regulator correct?

How long does it normally take for the bearings on it to wear out?

Thanks,

__________________
Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k

Your symptoms as you decribe them comprise the textbook diagnosis of a slipping belt or belts.

Phil
'84 & '85 300D

This is a possibility since I have been hearing a squeaky noise starting to surface at idle but haven't pinpointed it. I figured the place to start would be with all new belts (I don't know how old they are, plus they could be in better shape), which are on their way right now. I can't physically push the fan of the alternator to make the alternator itself spin so it can't be very loose.

__________________
Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k