Alternator seems to have gone up in smoke

[Deacs99]

Hey All,

I have a CLK 230k convert and the alternator seems to have given up the ghost, I'm getting a reading of c18v at the battery when running so seems pretty conclusive.

I haven't had a chance to look under the bonnet yet but read you need a special tool to replace the alternator? (is that true?). I'm pretty mechanically minded so not a prob there, just wanted to get an idea if this requires specialist tools or just a straight alternator swap with standard tools.

any advice greatly received.

cheers
Deacs

 

[Merc Owner 2B]

Could be the voltage regulator. I'm sure there was a recall for them a few years back? No experience of doing it but someone will be along soon no doubt

 

[DSM10000]

The voltage regulator seams a likely candidate as said. These should be available separately and at fairly low cost.

 

[Deacs99]

cheers for the advice Chaps, much appreciated.

 

[Ted]

Definitely the voltage regulator - it really can't be anything else.
It should be a black box screwed to the back of the alternator.

 

[Deacs99]

cheers Ted, I'll be ordering a new VR today.

cheers
Deacs