67 Voltage Regulator

[Salvatore I.]

Just wanted some advice from the members on a voltage regulator situation.

My ammeter reads normally at start up with a normal discharge as the engine cranks and then the swing to the positive side after start up...The issue is after the car is running for 15 minutes or running down the highway at 2,500 rpm for a while, the ammeter moves to the slight discharge side of the range. On Sunday, it did this but then showed a slight charge as the car was moving at 60MPH...I suspect the voltage reg is sticking or the relays in the regulator are faulty. All other connections are good.

My question is: can the regulator be adjusted and should I try to free up the relays (an just how would I do that?) or just replace the regulator for $30?

Thanks for the advice.......

[Mike M.]

Re: 67 Voltage Regulator

i'd leave it alone. mike

[Stephen L.]

Re: 67 Voltage Regulator

There is a procedure for Voltage regulator check/adjustment in the Service Manual.

[Phil P.]

Re: 67 Voltage Regulator

follow the afore mentioned advice---there is a procedure but if you are not "ready" leave it alone---once you have fired up your car and the amp gauge stabilizes take a screw driver and hold the blade to the rear alt. bearing--- a strong magnetic pull means it's charging---leave it alone---good luck,phil

[Salvatore I.]

Re: 67 Voltage Regulator

Thanks for all of the input and advice....

[Gerard F.]

Re: 67 Voltage Regulator

Sal,

If when you turn the heater fan on high, or turn on the headlights, the needle jumps to the charging position, you are probably OK. Unless you are having starting problems with discharged battery, I wouldn't bother with it.

The voltage setting can be adjusted on these regulators, but you could set it too high and cook your battery. You can probably guess how I know, in trying to solve the same problem.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Salvatore I.]

Re: 67 Voltage Regulator

If the car is idling at 700rpm with the headlights on, the ammeter will move to the negative side at a point of -20 on the gauge...with 1,500rpm or more, I do get the reading back in the positive.

I did just check the back side of the alternator as noted in one of the prior posts with the motor running, the screwdriver was drawn to the alternator, so I am assuming all is charging correctly....I will keep an eye on it....

Thanks for all of the feedback....