63 voltage regulator configuration points

[Erik H.]

Hello and thanks to everyone that has been so helpful with advice on nailing down details. My '63 L84 took a configuration points hit on the voltage regulator, and I'm not quite sure why. Would appreciate comments on the picture of my config below, or photos of a properly configured regulator. Thanks!

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Erik, if you have the 63 AIM look at section U69 sheet 7.00. You will clearly see why you took the point hit.

[Erik H.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Thanks for the reference Harry. Section 6, Sheet C8 shows the regulator with a large star washer on the top bolt. Section U69, Sheet 7 shows the regulator with the radio cap and no star washer. I see the issue with how I have the cap mounted, but have uncovered another problem - to use a star washer or not?

Also, is the location of the B/W stripe wire correct as is? And what, if anything, goes under that screw where I have the cap mounted now? If nothing, does the screw stay or go? Thanks for the help and any pictures of a judged correct config appreciated!

[Jeff Z.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Erik,

Here is original off 63 L76 car. I didn't have all the star washers as listed in AIM, I'll have to check my notes.

Thanks
Jeff

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Jeff, great photo. I just walked out to the garage with a flashlight and that is how mine is installed. A little too cold and dark to look for star washers, I'll do that tomorrow and post a picture.

Thanks..............

[William L.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Erik; From what I can see it looks like the capacitor should be mounted to the the regulator using the regulator mounting screw. Not mounted to the regulator with a separate screw. The assembly manual shows it just like Jeff's picture, It also shows NO star washer?

[Philip C.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Hi Erik if a star washer is used, it is mounted screw-wire connector-star washer- ground. I dont recall a star washer used there, but if one is the star washer needs to be under the wire connector. The cond. is mounted wrong. Phil 8063

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Erik, you should have a 1119512 Voltage Regulator. You either have a 1119515 or something else installed in your car. The 1119512 is not tapped on top for a screw to secure the condenser to as your picture shows.

[John D.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

It would have been nice if the judge had been more specific in the comment rather than use a long word like configuration.
Nice note could have said, "Should be 512 VR"

Not typical, configuration, etc sound nice for seminars but don't really tell a car owner much. I use them for FI seminars. Typical, not typical, etc. But tell them just what is typical. JD

[Jack H.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Harry is dead nuts on regarding a key difference between the '512 and '515 voltage regulators! From having restored a few, the only difference I've seen (same internal solenoids, same external resistors) IS the hole in the base plate to support attaching 'support' components.

Support components include the necessary engine harness ground wire and the optional radio RF capacitor. My gut hunch is the cap mounting relocation came about due to the use of rubber 'well nuts' to physically mount the regulator to the host vehicle's body panel.

IF the main regulator body mounting screws were used to attach the support components, there was the problem potential... What if the well nuts allowed the regulator to move 'slightly' due to shock and vibration of the vehicle being under way?

If the regulator could move relative to its mounting screws, it's possible for the ohmic electrical contact to sporadically make/break (same for the radio RF capacitor). That could/would produce sporadic alternator output regulation problems as well as 'bursts' of radio noise...

So, in the case of this post, the 'configuration' deduction is real. Now, the question is whether the voltage regulator is a real-deal '512 (short lived, hard to find critter), whether it's a '515 that was perhaps restamped, or if it's a real McCoy '512 that some owner/mechanic later in time decided to modify by adding the hole in the case base plate (man, that's a STRETCH!) to mimic the '63L and up configuration of a '515 regulator...

[Alan D.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Erik, back to your Section 6 v U69 conflict!
Section U69 is an added option, while Section 6 is the standard build.
If Sec 6 calls for the star washer then it is there when the U69 is added therefore it would not be shown as part of the optional equipment (now those who really worked on these may say different & I yield to them)

One other small point if the star washer is called for - what is the part number?? The original ground washers on my car (64) have all been smaller than the repo star washers - suspect yours should be the small style, but will need somebody to look up part number specs.

These large washers seem to be a latter number and since the repo houses are selling them they seem to become the expected norm.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Jeff's picture in post #4 also shows how the 1963 fan shroud and core support is changed for the automatic transmission oil cooler lines..

Sorry to change the subject..

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Erik, I took about 20 pictures today and none of them are clear, sorry about that.

Mine is set up like Jeff's, when I put my restored VR on I did not use a star washer.

[Erik H.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Thanks for all of the great replies on the regulator. I don't know whether to laugh or cry, as I just spent waaaayyy too much money today on a vintage sealed in-the-box 1115091 coil after I couldn't find any other one - and I mean just one, any one, anywhere - for the past several months. Now, it's going to be a 512 regulator and the Regionals are coming Help!

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Erik, 512 Voltage Regulators are extremely difficult to find. Call John Pirkle in Augusta, GA. He may have one. He restores those, starters and a whole cadre of other electrical parts. He is the best in that area.