[Whippy]

Per the title, Im off to replace the alternator again. Seeing how I bought something with a lifetime warranty, I figured I was safe....but with it being made in mexico, I figured on a short life span and eventual failure...but not within a few months. Its not terrible, as I planned to do oil change and fuel filters today....Now im adding alternator and belts....

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

I only have one question. Why on earth is there 2 belts. The Alternators I have gotten ALWAYS come with a one belt pulley, so I have to remove and swap. It seems redundant to have 2 belts making the same circuit. Is there any insight as to why. I assume there is a reason, as MB certainly over-engineered these cars.

Thanks again

 

[Govert70227]

If you have two, you can still drive on if one breaks. But it is not something I have seen on W123s.

 

[Whippy]

other question.

I lost track of which item goes first:

There is a large flat washer, The alternator fan, and the pulley.....

Obviously, the pulley goes on last, but does the fan go first, or the washer?

 

[jon77]

On 82 300Dturbo, fan goes first, then large flat washer, then pulley, then small washer outside of pulley, then bolt. But I don't know if there was a rubber washer first, inside of fan, to hold it out perhaps so it would engage the key on the alt. shaft.

 

[flyboyike]

I only have one question. Why on earth is there 2 belts?

Why on Earth do airliners have at least two engines?

 

[240_benz]

From what I've heard the dual belt setup is supposed to make the alternator last longer because the 2nd belt helps to relieve strain on the inner bearings.

 

[Cycobilly]

If you have two, you can still drive on if one breaks. But it is not something I have seen on W123s.

IIRC, the turbo diesels have the dual belt pully while n/a diesels and gassers (that I've seen) have the single belt pully.

 

[240_benz]

IIRC, the turbo diesels have the dual belt pully while n/a diesels and gassers (that I've seen) have the single belt pully.

Correct

 

[Rmac58]

Two belts are better than one, as mentioned.

Also, if you lose that/those belts, you lose your water pump.

 

[PlaneCrazy]

What would be the part number of the crank pulley and (if available) the alternator pulley for twin belts? THAT now sounds like a plan...

I don't have, nor plan on getting, aircon, but how will this affect the power steering system?

 

[Stretch]

I saw a twin alternator pulley on (German) ebay the other day, I'll see if I can dig it out again - if I remember correctly they had provided a part number.