Milliamp

Here is what I did so far, changed my alternator ( diode and cap shorted)
rebuilt old unit,still no output, borrowed unit from neighbor (66---427 )now that is where the 15.2 volts comes from. Purchased from Zip new regulator. thought that I could adjust the new one to the paramiters that I needed, but the dam thing does not have an adjusting screw, does anyone know any tricks that would help or should I just buy another regulator with an adjusting screw:
Thanks Guys Tom

Frankie the Fink

The repro mechanical regulators are crapola and non-adjustable.
Go get yourself a VR-715 solid state unit for about $13 at any auto parts place and stick it under the original V/R cover and drive on.

I wouldn't be real happy with 15.2V - I think 14.8 is the peak of what I would ever want to see.

Milliamp

Thanks Frankie that is just what I'm going to do
tom

JohnZ

You could go to AutoZone and get a VR715 solid-state regulator for about $25.00, put your Delco regulator cover on it, and nobody will know the difference (and nothing needs to be adjusted).

plaidside

Frankie is correct, 15.2 is too high, anywhere between 14.2v and 14.5v hot with a fully charged battery is OK.
As far as adjusting the regulator it can be done.
Remove the cover and look at where the spring attaches to the metal tabs, by carefully bending the tabs that will increase or decrease the tension thereby changing the output.
Make sure the battery is fully charged, the engine is warmed up with the hood closed to heat up the regulator, set the RPM to approx. 1200 and after you make an adjustment, put the cover back on, no need to use the screws, just hold it there.
Joe

Frankie the Fink

You can certainly try Joe's method - he knows what he's talking about - he coached me through checking out a generator a few years back.

But, the VR-715, is a good alternative if that doesn't work out or you're nervous about the procedure. I've been running one in my '63 with aftermarket A/C for 18 months now.

GTOguy

X3 on what these gents said. over 15V will boil the battery and cause nice corrosive fumes in the engine compartment. Also decreases lamp lifespan.

buns

I would put the battery on a charger. Make sure it's fully charged then do your voltage measurement again.

tubman

Just to confirm what everyone else has said, I took my '67 L79 out of storage last week, installed a new battery, and went for a drive. After about 10 miles, the aftermarket voltmeter registered over 17 volts! After a trip to NAPA and a $28.00 solid state voltage regulator (made in China), it never exceeded 14.3 volts on a two hour trip. Looks like advanced technology will trump country of origin once in a while.

Now to get another one and install in the original case.

tubman

I'll bring this back up, as it may be a more endemic problem than we realize. I say this because, after I installed the new regulator in my '67, I moved my little voltmeter to my '68 base motor car. I took it for a drive, and saw that it was also charging in the mid 15 volt range. Two for two is a little too much for me and the '68 is also getting a new solid state regulator.

Detecting an over voltage problem is quite easy to do. You can get a digital voltmeter that plugs into the cigarette lighter for $5 to $10 at your FLAPS or Amazon, etc. Simply plug it into your lighter socket and go on your merry way. You should be able to check the voltage in your driveway with a regular multi-meter, but that doesn't always work. In the case of my '67, it would charge in the normal range for the first 4-5 miles, and then slowly climb as high as 17.5.

Even though the cheap plug in voltmeter is probably made in China, mine was extremely accurate. I checked it in my neighbors new BMW and it was right on. I also ran it in my GF's new Kia and my pickup and it worked flawlessly. Again new technology.

It's a cheap and easy check, and it sure beats replacing T3's and dash light bulbs.

Here's the gimmick.

leif.anderson93

Slick little device...thanks for sharing.