I have a 84' 300SD. The other day the charge indicator light failed to come on when the ignition was in the 2nd position before start-up but the car started anyways. After driving the car approx. 10 miles or so, I parked the car for several hours and then the battery was completely dead. I charged the battery and the car started right up but again no charge indicator light. After driving a couple miles back to the house, the car sat overnight and then the battery was completely dead again. My local parts and info guy says it is the alternator, that it is faulty and leaving the circuit open when the car is shut off. Before pulling the alternator what should I check?

P.S.- I cannot find R&R directions in the factory repair manual CD-ROM. Any tips if I need to pull the alternator?