C1 voltage regulator replacement max amperage
The voltage regulator on my 59 FI car is going haywire. It discharges and then goes above the 30 volt range on the gauge while driving down the road or idling. In replacing the regulator, I'm wondering which would be the better choice for a new regulator? NAPA has new USA built ones in 20, 30, or 40 amp outputs. Since I have halogen headlights with switch by-pass relays, would the 40 amp be the better choice or is this asking for other problems? I'm not sure if the original is 30 or 40 amp output. As always, TIA! Al (BTW, I did have both the generator and regulator checked at a reputable shop and they verified the VR was bad)
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Re: C1 voltage regulator replacement max amperage
My 35 amp charging system in my '61 handled halogens just fine along with a 500W aftermarket stereo. I'd open up the regulator and take a look first thing and the adjustment procedure should be in the passenger car manual (at least it is for 61). If that fails then decide what to do, not a big fan of the repro regulators... -
Re: C1 voltage regulator replacement max amperage
I am not a big fan of the repro regulators either.
If you go with a aftermarket regulator check the voltage immediately after the install.
I had one on my 57 putting out 17 volts.
I wondered why my headlights were so bright and the temperature reading higher than normal!
If you have to go with a reproduction or replacement don't purchase on price alone.Comment
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Re: C1 voltage regulator replacement max amperage
Richard, I installed an Echlin VR on it last night and drove it this AM. It is putting out in excess of 30 volts at anything above 1000 RPM. I called the parts store and had them order another which should be here tomorrow AM. BTW, I had fully charged the battery, so that would not be a problem on start up and driving to get a more accurate idea.Comment
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Re: C1 voltage regulator replacement max amperage
30 volts ? I'm surprised you still drove the car...
Sadly, the old gentleman making the solid state replacements passed away at age 92 a few years back, I had two of his products, one in my 61 and one went to a friend. There are a bunch of originals on eBay right now, including a remanufactured '61 piece if you can live with that for $150. Or something like this, which is "supposedly" bench tested:
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Re: C1 voltage regulator replacement max amperage
I also had the same high voltage with a "rebuilt and tested" one that I ordered for my '61 - when I started the car with a fully charged battery had a VOM attached. The voltage just started going up and at 15 volts and climbing I shut it down. Got a replacement from the vendor and the voltage would just hunt up and down. Local old style electrical shop said to return it so I did. The third one was the charm.Comment
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Re: C1 voltage regulator replacement max amperage
Frank, I only went about 6 miles. I probably shouldn't have driven it, but I just wanted to see if it would level out. I do have the original VR put up, but I don't remember if it worked satisfactory or not. I put a Dec 58 date coded on it shortly after I got it (probably just to save the original one).(car is a Feb 59 and originally had a Jan. 59 VR on it). If the 2nd one doesn't do any better I'll probably reinstall the Jan 59 VR and see how that works. If no good, then it's EBay, I guess.Comment
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Re: C1 voltage regulator replacement max amperage
Sadly the move to "The least expensive part out there" has wrecked havoc on the good vendors/manufactures.
Most people go to the lowest priced item with little thought to quality control on inspections.
On a modern car, 30 volts could fry thousand of dollars of parts.
RickComment
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Re: C1 voltage regulator replacement max amperage
Thought this would be a "Good One" since it is USA made, but I guess I am wrong on this one.Comment
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Re: C1 voltage regulator replacement max amperage
UPDATE!! Got the new replacement ECHLIN VR installed this morning. This one works correctly! I cleaned the points and wire terminals on both the 58M and the 59A VRs, but did not install either. Might try them this winter on a cold day to see what's up with them.Comment
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Re: C1 voltage regulator replacement max amperage
Good to know. Didn't (doesn't) John Pirkle Jr. restore originals though ?Comment
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Re: C1 voltage regulator replacement max amperage
I heard Junior is out of the VR restoration business. Not enough demand.Comment
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Re: C1 voltage regulator replacement max amperage
All of the above cited failures are unfortunately typical of the automotive electrical parts we are receiving today. Long gone are the days when you could count on a new part working correctly right from the box.Comment
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Re: C1 voltage regulator replacement max amperage
Yes 30 AMPS. The generator can only supply about 18 volts max.
Had a similar issue back in February on the '57. Note the generator harness is integrated within the Main Harness on the 56/57 cars.
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...741#post797741
This one also related for reference...
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...746#post797746
RichComment
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