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  #16  
Old 07-06-2009, 03:41 PM
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More speculation: White smoke is unburned fuel from malfunctioning glow plugs. Glow plugs bad because relay stuck on drawing lots of voltage from the battery causing the battery itself to require constant charging and to fail eventually.

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  #17  
Old 07-06-2009, 05:20 PM
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Alright. Battery was fried so I swapped out for a new one. Questions:

1. Do I not drive the car until I've changed the voltage regulator.
2. Where is the voltage regulator and how do I change it.

Daniel
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  #18  
Old 07-06-2009, 05:23 PM
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Thumbs up

BTW, good call on the rotten tomatoes not smelling like rotten eggs Kerry.
Speculation has me thinking as well.
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  #19  
Old 07-06-2009, 06:19 PM
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The voltage regulator is a little thing on the back of the alternator. The old one will probably come out just fine after removing the two little phillips (IIRC) screws that hold it in. The new one will need the brushes compressed to go in right. I tried the dental floss trick that I read about on here and it didn't work for me, so I used a skinny zip tie instead. I just cut and removed it after putting in the regulator and getting the screws snug.

A quick check before doing that is to get the car running and check the voltage at the battery with the engine running. Over 14.5 is bad. Mine was over 16 before I changed it.
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  #20  
Old 07-06-2009, 06:43 PM
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Cool. Thanks again guys.
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  #21  
Old 07-06-2009, 09:32 PM
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I went through three alternators from Autozone before I got one that didn't fry my battery.

I was spewing acid all over the engine compartment and on long drives I probably breathed a lot of it.

Just because you got a new one from Autozone don't assume your problem is solved.

I fried two new batteries in about six months and had to replace the alternator three times.

I got so good at it it only took me ten minutes to remove the alt in dress shoes, khakis and a polo shirt.

I even had a new spare voltage regulator that I tried for a while on the bad alternator and it didn't help any.

I can't explain that but that's what happened.
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  #22  
Old 07-08-2009, 09:18 AM
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Update

I installed new voltage regulator (and replaced the bad/overcharged battery) and still had a problem starting up this morning. After the new VR was installed I drove around a bit, checked the battery and it read 16-18V! Still overcharging apparently.

Does the VR have to adjust? Should the problem be solved instantaneously or could I have possibly put the darn thing in improperly? It sure didn't seem difficult. I put it in just like I pulled it out. The old VP was due for a replacement, by the way.

Suggestions?
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  #23  
Old 07-08-2009, 11:23 AM
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Have you checked your glow plugs? What voltage reading are you getting at the battery with the engine running? Can you hear your glow plug relay clicking both on and off?
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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13
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  #24  
Old 07-08-2009, 12:45 PM
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I'll have to check my glow plugs when I get home from work. With the engine running I get 16-18V. Way too high. Glow plug voltage should be 10-12v?

I can hear the relay clicking on and off.
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  #25  
Old 07-08-2009, 12:51 PM
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Check ohms on the glowplugs--need less than 1 ohm. You do need to confirm that they are getting voltage but voltage itself does not confirm they are glowing. In fact, neither does good resistance, but with acceptable resistance readings, the plugs are likely to be ok.
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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13
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  #26  
Old 07-08-2009, 02:33 PM
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Thanks, Kerry. Will put that in my bag of tricks and see what happens.
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  #27  
Old 07-09-2009, 05:22 PM
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No matter what load is on the alternator, it should never be above 14.5vdc, replace the alternator (or regulator) again. It's defective.
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  #28  
Old 07-10-2009, 08:41 PM
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Still too high

Replaced with a new regulator (#2) and I'm still jacked up voltage wise. Putting out 16V! It's frustrating. If the alternator is amping out voltage that high, how could it be bad? Another fried battery is in my future.

Glow plugs?
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  #29  
Old 08-30-2009, 02:08 AM
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Glow Plugs.....

......were bad. Thanks for the tips. Put this thread to bed.
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  #30  
Old 08-30-2009, 02:29 AM
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glow plugs shouldnt cause it to overcharge. are you getting your regulators from autozone?

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