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  #1  
Old 11-17-2020, 06:59 PM
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Question Only Charging at 11.3 V

Hello - My '06 E350AWD is only charging about 11.3V while idling. I assume either the Alternator or Voltage Reg is bad. Is there a easy way to tell which one to replace?
Thx

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  #2  
Old 11-18-2020, 07:13 PM
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What is the voltage at 1500 rpm
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  #3  
Old 11-20-2020, 01:42 PM
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Hello - Thx for responding! I checked and got 11.3v at 1500rpm, 11.5v at 2000 & 3000rpm and 11.6v at 4000rpm (but it dropped back down to 11.4 or 5 after a few sec). BTW, At each step I was holding it for 5 sec or so without seeing any change. IMO, It is not charging, but I don't know if it's the alternator or the V.R. - thanks again for the help in deciding which it is!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Larry
06 E350AWD

Last edited by l_turn9; 11-20-2020 at 01:47 PM. Reason: clarification
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  #4  
Old 11-20-2020, 01:45 PM
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Doesn’t sound like your charging at all. Not sure if the regulator is serviceable on that alternator.

Never mind I looked it up, it is. $40-$60
I’d probably just change the whole alternator and call it done
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  #5  
Old 11-20-2020, 02:09 PM
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Thanks! Replacing the Alternator is likely the best option.

I will hopefully be back on the road again soon. Now, I have to find out how much trouble it is to replace. Normally, I wouldn't hesitate, but even with the plastic covers removed it still looks like a PITA. Oh well, it is what it is and I'm not in a hurry. (fortunately).
I'm sure DieselBenz will probably say the same thing. I won't order one for a couple of days just in case he says something entirely different (which I doubt).

Happy Thanlsgiving!
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  #6  
Old 11-20-2020, 05:54 PM
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=C-gXaTezfpw

Doesn’t look too bad
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Old 11-21-2020, 04:51 PM
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On the diesel discussion a member pointed out the alternators use a Lin bus communications on these alternators. He had purchased a napa rebuild but the Lin bus was no good so he ended up buying a new MB alternator. I think I would change just the regulator based on his experience.
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Old 11-21-2020, 04:57 PM
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Thanks DieselBenz! BTW, I owned (and loved) a 91 300D 2.5T for years - it finally died from rust around the rear suspension but a fellow Forum member bought it and repaired it. I would have hated to see it go to the crusher. My present Benz (gasser) is certainly lacking in many ways.
Ok, so replacing just the alternator might do it. Hmmm.... I guess there's no way for the amateur to benchtest a VR?
Larry
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  #9  
Old 11-21-2020, 06:18 PM
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It's the brushes that wear out. You need to remove the VR to inspect. The fact that voltage is low indicates a bad VR. You could get it tested free at some auto retailers and have your battery checked out as well.
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  #10  
Old 11-23-2020, 11:13 PM
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Start simple first.....Also check the tightness of the belt. Though you would likely hear telltale signs of the belt- and the VR and/or alternator sound like the most likely, never just assume without knowing all possible failures that could cause such symptom.
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  #11  
Old 11-24-2020, 07:35 AM
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Only Charging at 11.3V

Quote:
Originally Posted by dieselbenz1 View Post
It's the brushes that wear out. You need to remove the VR to inspect. The fact that voltage is low indicates a bad VR. You could get it tested free at some auto retailers and have your battery checked out as well.
But aren't the Brushes in the Alternator? Also it seems like your suggestion is 2 steps:
1. - check the brushes and
2. - check the VR.
What would I be looking for if I remove the VR and inspect it? Is it possible to test it with a DVM? If yes, please remember, I am a amateur when it comes to t'shooting via DVM. Keep it simple please.
Thx

Last edited by l_turn9; 11-24-2020 at 05:23 PM. Reason: clarification
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  #12  
Old 11-24-2020, 08:35 AM
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The length of the brushes, new would be about 3/4 inch long, once they get to about 3/8" approx then time for a new VR. Voltage should be 14.1
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  #13  
Old 11-24-2020, 10:52 PM
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Brushes are part of the regulator.
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  #14  
Old 11-25-2020, 09:16 AM
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That is the VR note the carbon brushes are the wear items.
Attached Thumbnails
Only Charging at 11.3 V-3115lpq0kdl._ac_sy400_.jpg  
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  #15  
Old 11-28-2020, 11:33 AM
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Thanks for the image and info! Excellent Info. BTW, can just the brushes be replaced? (just out of curiosity) ;-)

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