Bizarre electrical issues - lost power, battery light, clock

[aslives]

I have a 1979 124 2000 in very decent shape and suddenly I've been having power issues. The battery is 12 months old so I think we can rule that out.

Here's what's been happening:

1 - the battery light comes on - sometimes after I first start up for a few min, especially when stopped, and then sometimes at the middle of a drive - though always when stopped.

2 - Once there was no power when I went to start up - after having driven the day before. Got a jump and took it straight to the mechanic. He thought it was the alternator, took it to a shop where it was tested and they couldn't find anything wrong.

3 - The day before it died, about 60 minutes into a drive the car shook very hard (kinda lurched back and forth) for a few seconds when I was giving it gas at around 4,000 RPM. It did that again about 10 minutes later and never again.

4 - Lastly, the clock which was always pretty good sometimes is off by hours in the morning when I go to drive - I'm thinking its not getting the right amount of juice.

My mechanic wants to have the alternator overhauled despite the first assessment. Does anyone have any other suggestions for what to check?

Thanks in advance - ASL

[azruss]

I think i would make a couple of jumper wires from the battery terminals to a volt meter you could read while you drive. Batteries can go bad early if they have a weak cell that is dying. Would be worth checking it out. I have seen batteries load test okay and still arent right. Would be worthwhile to switch it with a good battery to see if anything changes. Also take a good look at the alt belt and pulley. It is possible it is slipping and is so polished it is not squealing. Also clean and check your connections at the starter solenoid, battery terminals, battery ground, engine ground, and alternator terminals. The alternator could be fine, but bad connections not allowing the battery to be charged.

[vandor]

> i would make a couple of jumper wires from the battery terminals to a volt meter you could read while you drive.

They make voltmeters that just plug into the cigarette lighter, so it's easy to read the voltage while driving.
My guess would be a bad connection at starter/alternator/battery, intermittent alternator or faulty battery.