1995 E320 Wagon serious electrical issues - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Gilly · #1 03-14-2013, 05:07 AM

Jim, although we don't know if it's the original alternator or not, so what I would have done is pull the VR and check the condition of the (loss of tech term here) the rings the brushes press against. Can sort of tell by how deep the grooves are that are made by the brushes.

GregoryV022 · #2 03-14-2013, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilly

Jim, although we don't know if it's the original alternator or not, so what I would have done is pull the VR and check the condition of the (loss of tech term here) the rings the brushes press against. Can sort of tell by how deep the grooves are that are made by the brushes.

Okay guys, here is the update. I am now extremely confused. Also I don't know if it is the original alternator for that car, but the literally last week did the 6 digit rollover to 200K

So the new voltage regulator arrived today. It looks like this.

This is what the back of my alternator looks like.

On another thread. Here.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/84586-voltage-regulator-replacement-easy.html

Everything Looks different. What is going on here. Help.

EDIT: For more info

Gilly · #3 03-14-2013, 07:20 PM

Oh man is that weird, never seen an alternator or VR like that, but I see there is a curve to the brushes as though it goes in "from the side" someplace. Big weird bracket on the back of the alternartor is sort of what it looks like. I hate to say it but I thinkI'd almost want to pull the alternator off to try this. Might be possible to do it installed but just don't know. Thought I would at least say something about it.

vince · #4 03-15-2013, 07:37 AM

As Gilly pointed out earlier it would be a good idea to look at the slip rings. If the brushes are that worn the slip rings are likely very worn also. If the slip rings are badly worn the voltage regulator fix is likely "temporary" as Jim Freeh pointed out.

Gilly · #5 03-15-2013, 03:59 PM

Well I'd be sure to look. I don't know if I'd say its really "likely" the slip rings are worn, but when the reg is out is definitely the time to be sure. Not sure what amount is acceptable, off the top of my head I'd say if the grooves seem to be deeper than 1/16 to 1/8" it's probably time for a new alternator. But I'm sort of a tightwad..