Voltage Regulator Bad??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 498
Likes: 10
From: Tampa FL
Voltage Regulator Bad??
What are the symptoms of a bad voltage regulator? I have a 65 Vette and I think I might have a voltage regulator problem but I am not sure and don't want to get another one if that's not the problem.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 541
From: Woodland Hills CA
regulator
Connect a voltmeter to the battery while the engine is running. If you are running over 13.5 volts, there is a good chance its bad. Sometimes they spike over 15v. Also sometimes the headlights will act up.
Boyan
Boyan
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Bring the alternator AND regulator in together. They can "run" them as a unit and diagnose the situation.
Chuck
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 498
Likes: 10
From: Tampa FL
OK, with engine running and warmed up. At all rpms between 700 and 1500 the volt meter connected to the battery is showing 13.8 volts steady. The ammeter in the car is showing +18, but not going below that even after 10 minutes. This is with the electronic VR. I am going to put the mechanical VR back in and do the same test. I will post the results today.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
You should have AT LEAST13.8 nominal..sounds like its perfect! As for the ammeter does it rest at 0 key off?
Test the battery. if its bad could be drawing too much. Look at the cell water level..if it is being overcharged the electrolyte will be boiled off.
Test the battery. if its bad could be drawing too much. Look at the cell water level..if it is being overcharged the electrolyte will be boiled off.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 498
Likes: 10
From: Tampa FL
With the key off the ammeter is on 0. I am going to get the battery tested one day this week.
We're talking about a 65 Vette with factory gauge. It only shows 0 and +40 with a mark midway which I assume is +20. It's running a little below the midway mark.
I also tested the voltage at the ammeter. Black wire was at 14.1 volts and the black/white one was at 14.3 volts.
We're talking about a 65 Vette with factory gauge. It only shows 0 and +40 with a mark midway which I assume is +20. It's running a little below the midway mark.
I also tested the voltage at the ammeter. Black wire was at 14.1 volts and the black/white one was at 14.3 volts.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 498
Likes: 10
From: Tampa FL
Today I checked the voltage at the battery with the car running at 1500 rpm. With the lights on high beam the volt meter was at 13.8. When I turned the lights off the meter stayed at 13.8. Looks to me like the charging system is OK. I am going to leave the battery connected for a few days and see if it goes down any. It held the voltage since Sunday with the battery disconnected.