>>
>>Hi all.
>>
>>I believe that the alternator on my 280E W124 went. When the engine is
>>switched off, a current of 2.7A is being drawn from the battery. I've [SNIP]
>>I was wondering whether this means that the complete alternator has to >>be
>>replaced or is there a possibility that something else (perhapse
>>exchangable diodes) could have gone. I'd like to know my options when I >>go
>>to see a mechanic.
>>
>>Cheers, Jan
>
>Sounds like a re-build. If it was just the regulator, that shouldn't
>happen, though you could check conclusively by unscrewing the 2 screws
>either side of the regulator in the rear of the alternator and pulling
>it out (it includes the brush carrier). If you'v still got the loss
>(and your convinced that the cable in question goes to the alternator,
>then it needs a new diode pack, which you'll need to remove and
>partially strip the alternator and do some heavy duty soldering.
>
>The actual diode pack is cheap, its just a case of doing the work. >
>Maybe price a complete exchange unit from an auto electrical
>specialist?.
>
>........... Rob.
>
It turned out to be a complete rebuild, as you've said. Practically everything in the alternator was gone or about to fail. The good news is that it only cost me around $270. The bad news is that the cause of failure is oil from the infamous head gasket leak...
About the leak, what (apart from the alternator) is damaged if I keep driving with the leak. I intend to sell the car anyway (well, I've been selling it for a few months now and there are no buyers - I guess I'll have to lower the price), so I've no intention of throwing away around $1500 on such a repair.
Cheers, Jan