New to the forums, 94 E320 charging issues.
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
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E320
New to the forums, 94 E320 charging issues.
I got this 94 E320 for basically free. This car runs and drives around fine with a jump, but as soon as it's turned off I usually can't get more than two cranks out of the engine. It has a brand new battery, all the connections are tight and clean. The alternator looks new as well. So I did a little forum lurking and picked up a voltage regulator. When I went to install it this is what I found:
Is that an alternator for a different car? Possibly a 123? I'm making my judgments from the pictures in this thread
http://w124-zone.com/articles.php?article_id=25
It's kind of a basket case, there is no exhaust and some one put a 'cold' air intake on. I think the springs are cut. Here are some more pics for you guys.
Is that an alternator for a different car? Possibly a 123? I'm making my judgments from the pictures in this thread
http://w124-zone.com/articles.php?article_id=25
It's kind of a basket case, there is no exhaust and some one put a 'cold' air intake on. I think the springs are cut. Here are some more pics for you guys.
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,825
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From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
with the engine running, take a voltage reading at the battery post and see what you got. If you have readings above 13 volts then it's a good sign that it is charging. I would charge the battery on slow charge setting 5 amps for few hours 4 hours 
. Start the engine without any jumper cables, if it starts up normal, take the voltage readings. Good charging system would show readings in the 14 volt area.
. Start the engine without any jumper cables, if it starts up normal, take the voltage readings. Good charging system would show readings in the 14 volt area.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2011
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E320
I got a good charge on the battery, started it and check and I'm getting a good charge from the alternator. I checked for drain and wasn't getting any.
The next day I tried to start it and it will fire but won't run. It sounds like it's killing itself. The only thing I've changed is I removed the auxiliary fan fuse because the plastic was broken.
The next day I tried to start it and it will fire but won't run. It sounds like it's killing itself. The only thing I've changed is I removed the auxiliary fan fuse because the plastic was broken.
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 154
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From: SoCal
'91 C124 300CE,'06 ML 500 W164, '00 BMW MCOUPE, '65 COBRA REPL.
I just changed my battery due to the exact same problem. I would put the battery on the charger, it would fully charge, the car ran great but the next day it would crank but would not start. Take your battery to an auto parts place (autozone, pep boys etc.) and have them check it. Mine would take a charge but would not maintain it.
You could be experiencing the same thing.
You could be experiencing the same thing.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
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E320
She lives.
Semis1: I recharged the battery last night to try your theory out, and test for drain a second time. I'm going to take it to work today and have schwabs take a look at it.
It's kinda funny actually, I pulled my camera out to take a video of what it sounded like when it was cranking...and she slowly came to life. I let it idle for a bit, drove it around, and let it idle for a minute before a bit before I shut it off.
New questions that are more fun:
As far as air intakes go, do I have to find one that is 3.0 liter specific? I really want to find a used factory one and loose that lame hot air intake.
Anyone who lives in Portland have any bang for the buck exhaust shops they recommend in the area?
Semis1: I recharged the battery last night to try your theory out, and test for drain a second time. I'm going to take it to work today and have schwabs take a look at it.
It's kinda funny actually, I pulled my camera out to take a video of what it sounded like when it was cranking...and she slowly came to life. I let it idle for a bit, drove it around, and let it idle for a minute before a bit before I shut it off.
New questions that are more fun:
As far as air intakes go, do I have to find one that is 3.0 liter specific? I really want to find a used factory one and loose that lame hot air intake.
Anyone who lives in Portland have any bang for the buck exhaust shops they recommend in the area?
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Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 6
From: SoCal
'91 C124 300CE,'06 ML 500 W164, '00 BMW MCOUPE, '65 COBRA REPL.
Just do not drive the car around much with a battery that does not maintain a charge, it can be very hard on your alternator and other electrical systems.
As far as the intake, the one on your car right now, is too close to the headers and to the engine. Thus it is a "hot air intake"!!! Ha, yeah that one has to go, plus CAI do not increase power. Results are very iffy on these. Well, maybe some at high speeds.
Best to use EO, look for one at a local junkyard or ebay.
As far as the intake, the one on your car right now, is too close to the headers and to the engine. Thus it is a "hot air intake"!!! Ha, yeah that one has to go, plus CAI do not increase power. Results are very iffy on these. Well, maybe some at high speeds.
Best to use EO, look for one at a local junkyard or ebay.
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