voltage regulator failure
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 63
From: new ulm mn
voltage regulator failure
What would cause a voltage regulator to fail. I have a '76 and the regulator seems to fail on a regular basis. ( every other year). I have the best luck with new alternators as they last 4-5 years, but a rebuilt only goes 1-2 years. Any ideas?
thanks,
thanks,
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
'Dirty' ground, bad wiring, improperly wired, etc, etc.
Measure the battery voltage with engine OFF; now start the car and measure again; as the car becomes fully charged (voltage slowly drops and becomes stable) measure it again.
The battery voltage when the engine is just started should be near 14 volts (or maybe a bit more). After a short time, the voltage should begin to drop. When battery is fully charged, voltage should be a bit under 13 volts.
If the voltage doesn't drop as expected, something is wrong with the wiring....or your battery is approaching the end of its useful life.
Measure the battery voltage with engine OFF; now start the car and measure again; as the car becomes fully charged (voltage slowly drops and becomes stable) measure it again.
The battery voltage when the engine is just started should be near 14 volts (or maybe a bit more). After a short time, the voltage should begin to drop. When battery is fully charged, voltage should be a bit under 13 volts.
If the voltage doesn't drop as expected, something is wrong with the wiring....or your battery is approaching the end of its useful life.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
They really aren't meant to charge a depleted battery all the time, just to keep it up from vehicle draw.
Igniton and and low speed fan will have it charging 10-15 amps while the car is running on a fully charged battery. If more at idle, then your battery/connections are suspect.
Most regulators run at 14.7 vdc max and 14.2vdc min and 80% of rated output at max rpm.
