66 charging system problem
I have a 66 L36 non TI car and could use some help. The alternator will rise in voltage output with the rise in RPM. Starting at idle at 12.8 volts up to 16.5 volts above 2500 RPM. I have a replacement points type voltage regulator on the car. I have replaced the voltage regulator with a new, similar style, replaced the alternator with a date coded original alternator and the problem still persists as with the old parts. However, I did have both alternators checked at a parts store and they both, on their meter, put out 14.7 volts. I did not have either alternator checked in conjunction with either voltage regulator, however. I have checked all the grounds and went as far as to run a separate ground wire from the battery to both the ground terminal on the alternator and the voltage regulator. Again, no difference. I disconnected the voltage regulator and only read battery voltage, at any rpm. I read some past posts that the original style v.r. with points was inconsistent, at best, in regulating the alternator. Is there a transistor v.r. that may work better? I have also checked the wiring harness and have found nothing out of order. I am at a total loss after one month on this! Am I missing something simple? Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Greg.
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Re: 66 charging system problem
Greg -
Yes, there is. AutoZone carries a VR-715 solid-state voltage regulator that's "plug-and-play" with the existing harness connector for about twenty bucks or so, and you can even swap your existing Delco-Remy cover on the solid-state regulator for "looks". -
Re: 66 charging system problem
John, Thanks for the info. Did I read years past you had the same problem or did you help someone else out and did it solve the over voltageComment
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Re: 66 charging system problem
Greg -
Many folks have installed the VR-715 regulator as a diagnostic aid to determine if the old mechanical regulator was faulty, and just left it in place while having the original rebuilt/restored; haven't heard any complaints about them.Comment
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Re: 66 charging system problem
John H, Thanks so much, Ipicked up the VR-715 and it worked perfect. 14.1 volts max. After two original style VR I am not sure if I will change except if I judge it. Thanks again. GregComment
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Re: 66 charging system problem
Greg,
Glad to hear that solved your problem. I have been running the VR-715 in my '67 for about 18 months and I added an original Delco Remy VR cover to it for "original" appearance (as John suggested). About a fifteen minute job if appearance and functionality are important to you. The VR-715 plastic cover is just glued on and can be pried off very easily. When I installed the Delco Remy cover I put a bead of Permatex black silicone around the inside cover to seal it.Leif
'67 Coupe L79, M21, C60, N14, N40, J50, A31, U69, A01, QB1
Top Flight 2017 Lone Star RegionalComment
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Re: 66 charging system problem
I am having the same problem with my '67 (16.5 volts from the alternator). Before I left for Florida last fall, I found a procedure in the '67 Chassis Repair manual about adjusting voltage regulator output. At the time I read it, it seemed quite complicated for such a seemingly simple task. (IIRC, it requires running extra wires during the procedure.) Has anyone tried it? I think I will buy a VR-715 when I get back to Minnesota so I can work on the stock voltage regulator at my leisure.Comment
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Re: 66 charging system problem
If you want to stay with the VR-715 but have a numbers matching and correctly dated voltage regulator, read THIS to learn how to convert to the solid state regulator and keep your dated base. (It starts at reply number 15 and a few of the pictures are no longer displayed, but you should be able to get the idea.)
EdComment
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Re: 66 charging system problem
Ed, this is great, as the regulator on my car is a replacement with a non-matching date. Being the pack rat that I am, I saved the original dated regulator that failed years ago that came with the car when I bought it 28 years ago.Comment
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Re: 66 charging system problem
John - will the VR-715 regulator be okay to use in a TI car, like '66 L 72?Comment
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Re: 66 charging system problem
I'm not John, but the VR715 specs indicate it's rated up to 62AMPS, so you should be good to go.
By the way, here's a list of equivalent regulators to the VR715 I got from another web site:
Standard Ignition VR103
Borg Warner R281
Neihoff DR153B
Echlin VR142
Filko VRD459
KEM KVR172
GP VR273
Wells VR715
(Not sure if these are really equivalents since the info came from another web site, but you never know.)
EdLast edited by Edward B.; April 14, 2015, 07:53 AM.Comment
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Re: 66 charging system problem
Thank's guy's I was having problems also.I noticed my ammeter(volt meter actually) was not moving,always straight up.not charging or dishcharging and at one point would not start,I found the black wire in the wiring harness bolted to one of the legs of the a/c delco reg.was loose and sparking.the rubber mounting grommet apparently loose fitting.At that point I firmly bolted this ground to the reg.and noticed the alternator noisy and a voltage check showed the ouyput to be 16.5 volts ,there were other elect.problems arising at that time.
The article got me thinking,
I bought a borg warner #R 281 P ait advance auto ($23.)poped it in ,walla14.2 volts,ammeter back to proper functioning.Now I will try to solve the other elect.issues.(4 way flashers going on at will,no brake lites,and RH tail light on at all times,....wife says "it's a hobby and keeps me out of trouble" she in right on both counts.....
FrancisComment
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