new to me 300TE died. help please

[djugurba]

Last week I bought an 89 300TE, all records since new. I spent quite a bit of time looking through the records, making sure that most of the 'typical' stuff for this car had already been done. Oil changes were religious, head gasket/valve job already had been done, a/c serviced, etc.

So, today, I was driving around in traffic, all gauges normal, and then traffic sped up a bit. I passed a car at 30mph, and then the dashboard warning lights lit up like the proverbial christmas tree. The car was still running, but it seemed like the engine and transmission were not connected. (!)
Then, after about 10 seconds like that, it stalled. I was already pulling into a parking lot, and I got it parked ok. I popped the hood, and there were no signs of catastrophic failures- a bit of steam from where there is a drip or two falling on the exhaust, but no new fluids anywhere to see. Looking underneath revealed nothing as well- oil level normal, coolant a little bit low but not unusual for just having stopped at op. temp.

I tried to start it, and it cranked, but wouldn't turn over. Not wanting to cause further damage, I quit and towed it to the shop. So, monday I'll get a diagnosis. What is yours? What a crappy April Fools joke on me!?!

thanks in advance,
Kevin

[1991300SEL]

Not sure what I'll be able to offer as I suspect you have a 104 motor and all of the gadgetry that came with that configuration, but I'd like to clarify a few thing(s).

You mentioned that the engine seemed to disconnect from the transmission about the time the dash lights came on. When a cars engine does, often times the dash light come on. Since the eng/tranny seemed disconnected, I wonder if the motor had actually died when the dash lights came on?

If not, how fast were you able to drive with the accelerator pedal depressed and was there any knocking, missing out, etc. if there was movement with pedal deprssed?

[A264172]

What happened to the economy gage durring the stall?
Did you hear the fuel pump activate when you tried to restart?
Sorry to hear that.

[d2bernhard]

I believe '89 TE is M103 as my '92 TE has the M103. I beleive your symptoms lead to voltage regulator. Same symptoms in mine when my regulator . Easy fix if yes cheap part and 7 minutes labor.

Here's a start on that path:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=87935&highlight=regulator

[djugurba]

Originally Posted by 1991300SEL

You mentioned that the engine seemed to disconnect from the transmission about the time the dash lights came on. When a cars engine does, often times the dash light come on. Since the eng/tranny seemed disconnected, I wonder if the motor had actually died when the dash lights came on?

If not, how fast were you able to drive with the accelerator pedal depressed and was there any knocking, missing out, etc. if there was movement with pedal deprssed?

yeah, It could have been off already, and there was no forewarning. There was no missing/knocking/anything prior to or anything.

I didn't notice the economy gauge during the stall, was more concerned with getting safely off the road. And, I don't recall hearing the fuel pump noise when attempting to start it. That was one thing I thought might be a possibility actually... But I don't remember for sure hearing it or not. I'm used to listening for good/bad diesel noises!

[1991300SEL]

If you have the 103 motor, you might think about what David had to say.

I went thru this once, but didn't get the whole dash lit up - just the ABS/SRS light.

Could be all sorts of things, but since it's in a garage, you won't be able to check anything.

[suginami]

A bad alternator can cause the symptoms you described.

[djugurba]

it is the m103, and the last voltage regulator replacement was done in 12/98 according to the records. He also bought a new battery at that time. The mechanic I had it towed to is very reliable, and he won't touch it until I tell him to. So, I'll take my multi-meter down there on monday morning and see what I get. That would be a relief if that was the problem...

Thanks for all the answers..
k

[Ferdman]

Kevin, voltage regulators should last for 80k miles or so depending on driving conditions. The voltage regulator in my 1991 300CE lasted for 100,000+ miles and went suddenly. Some of the dash warning lights came on, headlights dimmed and the engine died within a few miles because the alternator is not recharging the battery. One of the 2 regulator brushes was so worn it was not making good contact with the alternator armature. It's simple to check the condition of the brushes and replace the voltage regulator if that's your problem.

[psfred]

Rotor carrier fell apart, pull the distributor cap and replace. Fairly common failure on this car, usually after sudden acceleration.

Will probably run like new.

Also check that the fuel pump operates while cranking -- if not, replace relay (cheap) or pumps as needed (expensive).

Peter

[Rahulio1989300E]

Wait, I thought that if you want to replace the voltage regulator, you have to compress the brushes before hand (very tough to do...)

Am I wrong?

[djugurba]

verdict: alt. bearing died, seizing the alternator. this damaged the serp belt too, and took out one of the pulleys. lovely.
thanks for all the help.
k