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Checking the alternator brushes 200 1980

uid 15053's pic
posted by  Dylan Berichon on  Sun Oct 31 18:21 CST 2004
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last visit: Thu Oct 23 17:22 CST 2014
[RELATED]

Still in the middle of doing the timing belt on my '80 245 DL with an M-46.

I figured this would also be a good time to check the brushes in my alternator. I've been able to see my AMP light glowing slightly at night, and getting brighter when the load increases (for instance, when I hit the turn signals, turn on the heater fan, etc...)

My Bentley tells how to remove the alt, but I was hoping I wouldn't have to do that just to check (and possibly replace) the brushings.

Would the brushes be something I should get from the dealer? I'd rather not pay the insane mark up.

Any tips or info would be appreciated.

Thanks as always!

(Isn't it funny how one job quickly can turn into several?)
--
If you listen to the radio in Portland, OR, you may know me as "Portland's Favorite Soul Brother!"








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    Checking the alternator brushes 200 1980

    posted by  someone claiming to be MelM on  Mon Nov 1 15:01 CST 2004 [RELATED]

    You checked out the engine wiring harness, right? I was in serious denial on this issue on my 1980 when symptoms just didn't make sense. Harness looked great at the firewall connector but under the manifold all of the wires had missing insullation somwhere along the length.

    MelM








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    Checking the alternator brushes 200 1981

    uid 24778's pic
    posted by  khanawalt on  Mon Nov 1 08:53 CST 2004
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    last visit: Thu Dec 6 21:03 CST 2007
    [RELATED]

    I recently had an alternator problem, but all the guages were glowing slightly and the voltmeter was much lower than normal, but was still charging enough to drive it.

    I first tried replacing the regulator/brush assembly, since my alternator had at some point been upgraded to the later internal regulator type, but the brushes had worn such deep grooves in the commutator that the new brushes wouldn't make adequate contact and I had the same problem.

    So I took the regulator back to Autozone and got a new alternator for $72 and change. It has a lifetime warranty, which is a good thing, because cheap rebuilt items are not subject to great quality control. I ended up taking the new alternator back a month later when it started failing for a free replacement.

    Fortunately, it's an easy swap. If you haven't upgraded to a newer alternator with internal regulator, I would recommend it. I just asked for an alternator for an '84 240 (mine's an '81.)








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    Checking the alternator brushes 200 1980

    uid 27's pic
    posted by  Art Benstein on  Mon Nov 1 05:01 CST 2004
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    last visit: Fri Oct 17 20:10 CST 2014
    [RELATED]

    Two screws keep the brush holder / regulator assy. in the alternator. They are easy to take out, a bit trickier to line up and replace. You need good light and still have to do it by feel somewhat.

    Replacing the brushes should be a piece of cake for you. They are Bosch parts, available anywhere for a couple bucks.



    Clean the areas where electrical contact is made too:



    This photo is, I believe, done around when your car was built:


    --
    Art Benstein near Baltimore








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    Checking the alternator brushes 200 1980

    posted by  Rludwick on  Mon Nov 1 04:55 CST 2004
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    last visit: Sat Aug 31 16:10 CST 2013
    [RELATED]

    Does yours have the internal voltage regulator, or the external?
    On the internal ones, it's easier to get the voltage reg with new brushes:
    http://oem.thepartsbin.com/parts/thepartsbin/quote.jsp?make=VO&year=1980&product=F4010-18648&application=000157629&part=Voltage%20Regulator&category=All

    Or you can just get replacement brushes:
    http://oem.thepartsbin.com/parts/thepartsbin/wizard.jsp?year=1980&make=VO&model=240--002&category=All&part=Alternator+Brush+Set
    --
    -------Robert, '93 940t, '90 240 wagon, '84 240 diesel (she's sick) , '80 245 diesel, '82 Mercedes 300SD








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    Checking the alternator brushes 200 1980

    posted by  sstef on  Mon Nov 1 04:51 CST 2004
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    last visit: Mon Sep 1 10:40 CST 2008
    [RELATED]

    I had success taking the alternator to a good starter/alternator shop for analysis. They did the brushes and scoped/tested it which is the main thing.
    --
    __Stef -- 81 DL wagon B21A SU carb M46 315555km







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