C2 '63 Voltage Regulator

[Pete Van Seggern #30920]

Okay- after too many years of work on my '63, I fired it up and drove it about 3 miles. Shut it off, and disconnected the battery. Upon disconnecting the battery, I heard a click in the regulator. Swapped out the regulator and got the same noise. Took the covers off both and each time I connect or disconnect the battery, the "field relay" contacts close or open. An amp meter shows about 2.5 amp draw when the battery is connected. I'm certain that there was no 'click' before that initial drive.
I checked out the wiring diagram in the shop manual and it appears that the only way to energize that relay is thru one of the alternator diodes. I had my alternator rebuilt by a very reputable source, but could it be that one of the diodes is shorted out? HELP!!
Thanks in advance,
Pete Van Seggern

[Mike Cobine]

Re: C2 '63 Voltage Regulator

Yes. Disconnect the alternator and see if the regulator clicks. If you have access to a scope, you can see if the output of the alternator has all of the curves in it. If a diode is out, at least one curve will either be missing or jump negative.

You may be able to see this with a sensitive volt meter, such as a portable handheld, but never the one in the dash.

It may be necessary to start the car and disconnect the battery to see as the battery will filter the waveform.