Dave33478

My 1999 SLK230 R170 is now 24 yrs young. Strange electrical issues including unreliable start. Engine idle showed 13.4v at battery and at 2K RPM it was bouncing all over the place. Found that old age had worn down the brushs on the Voltage regulator mounted to the rear of the alternator. Did my research and found the one for my chassis on e-bay. 15 minute swap and now I have a stable 14.2v at any RPM. No more flakey electrical issues and it reliably starts every time. I chalk this one up to normal wear and tear that people don't normally think about. 24yrs on a set of alternator brushes is a pretty good run!(IMHO)
I did not see any recent thread on this topic to post this on. If there is one, please put this where it belongs.