203 200cdi Alternator/battery warning engine noise.

[racboy]

Hi all.

Im looking for some help on this one. Im checking this car for a friend and it has two symptoms but im not yet sure if they are related to the same fault.

The battery/alternator visit workshop light is on as soon as the engine starts. Ive tested both the battery and the alternator under loads and all is ok.

The other symptom is a squeak coming from the fan belt when reving the engine slightly. The noise isnt excessive but is noticeable.

Im wondering if it is possible that the clutch pulley on the alternator could be sticking and causing both these faults?????

Any help would be appreciated. The car has not had a new alternator fitted to my knowledge but the car has now done 103k miles.

Thanks.

David

 

[racboy]

UPDATE

This was bothering me so ive just removed the air intake pipe and the drive belt and checked all the pulleys. All seem ok apart from the alternator pulley. It turns without making any noises but there is no free play or spin on it if i try to turn it anti clockwise. I assume it has siezed on and will try to source one from the main dealers in the morning but im still not convinced this would bring on the battery/alternator warning light???????

 

[gazza0210]

Hi mate,

I had a rattle at the front of my car around the belt area, I took it too my Mechanic and he found that the belt tensioner had some play in it so that was changed but the Clutch on the Alternator had seized causing the noise when Revving/Idling.

I wasnt getting any indication on the display about any issues with the Alternator but replacing the Clutch on it resolved the problem and now the car runs lovely and quiet.

Just for clarification mines a 2003 C180K Coupe with 92k on the clock.

Hope this helps.

 

[MB Tech boy]

Hi there reference the noise and light, new one way clutch pulley on alternator will sort the noise and for the light recommend a regulator pack, this is changable on the back of the alternator, parts from merc about £70 each part. Thanks

 

[racboy]

Thanks very much for the advise.

Removed the alternator tonight. Bit tricky but not too bad.

Im now not so sure about the clutch pulley. If i hold the fan inside the alternator i can turn it one way but not the other. its difficult to explain what i mean but i think i should just change it anyway while ive got it out.

I presume the regulator pack is under the cover inside the alternator. Ill find out when i get it in the morning from the dealer. They dont have the pulley in stock though. Will keep you posted on progress.

 

[racboy]

My car is now back on the road. I decided to send the alternator to a specialist who could test it properlly. The regulator was indeed faulty and i had a new clutch pulley fitted. They also replaced the main bearings inside for me too. Cost me £117 including parts and labour. Plus 1 year guarantee. Also it was cheaper than getting the parts direct from main dealer. And its the same parts. Bosch regulator too.

Refitted the alternator tonight with a new belt and hey presto the warning light is gone. More than happy.

Thanks again for those who advised me earlier.