66 Voltage Regulator questions

[Donald H.]

I purchased a restored voltage regulator for my 66. It is part number and date correct. It was to replace a later after market electronic (if that is the correct term) voltage regulator.

I am trying to figure out if it is working correctly. I am using a tester/monitor (pictured below).

For the electronic VR I get charging voltage of 14.2-14.4 volts at 1500/2000/2500 RPMs, doesn't change much after 1500. That is well within the specs in the 66 Chassis Service Manual (13.5 to 15.2). Also at constant RPM, the Battery meter is stable at 0. If I switch on the headlights the batt meter kicks to negative a slight amount, but quickly moves back to zero. If I turn on the turn signal the meter kicks to negative and bounces in conjunction with the turn signal but not much.

For the correct VR I get charging voltage of 13.6 volts using the tester/monitor, which is still within specs. However, the battery meter is a lot more active. At idle, the batt meter bounces around a little. If I switch on the headlights, the battery meter starts bouncing around, to negative back positive and keeps bouncing around until I switch the lights off.

Is this normal for an original type voltage regulator?

[William C.]

Re: 66 Voltage Regulator questions

I believe there is a temperature spec for the test of the original VR, make sure it is at operating temp.

[Donald H.]

Re: 66 Voltage Regulator questions

I believe there is a temperature spec for the test of the original VR, make sure it is at operating temp.

Yes, the Chassis Service Manual says to run the engine for 15 minutes for warm-up, which I did. But this seems to be in reference to testing the voltage, which seems to test OK. I just don't understand why the dash Battery Meter seems to bounce around so much with the stock/correct VR versus the aftermarket electronic VR

[Donald H.]

Re: 66 Voltage Regulator questions

Any other suggestions? The only other difference is that I did put a capacitor on the original type VR, but not on the aftermarket VR

[Jack P.]

Re: 66 Voltage Regulator questions

Many go to electronic vr to avoid just what you are experiencing Normal for stock VR

Jack

[Donald H.]

Re: 66 Voltage Regulator questions

Many go to electronic vr to avoid just what you are experiencing Normal for stock VR

Jack

Jack, are you saying it is normal with the stock VR for the battery/amp meter needle to bound around?

Thanks,

[Jack P.]

Re: 66 Voltage Regulator questions

Jack, are you saying it is normal with the stock VR for the battery/amp meter needle to bound around?

Thanks,

Hi Don,

My gauge has been bouncing for 42 years, Since it is not a true amp gauge, it shows flow, I am not an expert, but the stock VR at low rpms , will have the lights flicker, and be dim, some put a smaller pulley on the alternator, to speed it up , lessening the dimming and flicker. You notice this as you step on gas, the gauge will move from slightly neg to pos side of gauge, if the battery has been run down, the needle will move far to right and slowly return to 0 .

The electronic VR reduces this effect at low rpms, again I am not an expert , but if you do not want your Electronic VR , let me know.

I was going to order one from Bill Caldwell, who sells them

Jack

[Jim D.]

Re: 66 Voltage Regulator questions

Hey Jack, Go to your local Autozone parts store and get a Duralast VR715 (solid state regulator) for less than $30 and you can put your Delco cover on it if you want it to look stock.

[Jack P.]

Re: 66 Voltage Regulator questions

Hey Jack, Go to your local Autozone parts store and get a Duralast VR715 (solid state regulator) for less than $30 and you can put your Delco cover on it if you want it to look stock.

Hi Jim

No Kidding ? Thanks,

Had the car out today, Jan 1 , warm, surfers at Higgins beach and video







video

[Ralph E.]

Re: 66 Voltage Regulator questions

Jack, you could just buy the cheap unit at the auto parts store and put your cap on it if you want it to look stock.

The point is, if you want to save the ORIGINAL and BUY AMERICAN or keep "Walmart Type stores" thriving. Cheap electronic unit made in china will not last.

[Fred Y.]

Re: 66 Voltage Regulator questions

So let me get this STRAIGHT !! __????? I have an AMERICAN car with voltage regulator problems & I should go to K-Mart or super value auto parts & put some Chinese hunk of junk under my original lid. I thought this is about keeping our AMERICAN Beauties ALL AMERICAN-----or at least doing our best to do so !
Don, both of my 67's had similar problems like you are mentioning. I have since sent them both back to Bill Caldwell & now the biggest problem I have is finding enough time to drive my cars as much as I want to.He took both of my original Regulators and restored them both inside & out to like new condition. The plating is nice & the cap is dead ON ! He even replated my capacitor & straps.They work fine under load & now my volt needle isn't "dancing" around any more.
It's a simple & relatively inexpensive modern way to take care of old technology issues.
Sure beats sitting on the side of the road waiting for a jump start !

[Jim D.]

Re: 66 Voltage Regulator questions

So let me get this STRAIGHT !! __????? I have an AMERICAN car with voltage regulator problems & I should go to K-Mart or super value auto parts & put some Chinese hunk of junk under my original lid. I thought this is about keeping our AMERICAN Beauties ALL AMERICAN-----or at least doing our best to do so !
Don, both of my 67's had similar problems like you are mentioning. I have since sent them both back to Bill Caldwell & now the biggest problem I have is finding enough time to drive my cars as much as I want to.He took both of my original Regulators and restored them both inside & out to like new condition. The plating is nice & the cap is dead ON ! He even replated my capacitor & straps.They work fine under load & now my volt needle isn't "dancing" around any more.
It's a simple & relatively inexpensive modern way to take care of old technology issues.
Sure beats sitting on the side of the road waiting for a jump start !

Gee, I wonder where he gets the circuitry for his conversions? You can always buy Delco stuff but it's not made in the U.S. either.

[Fred Y.]

Re: 66 Voltage Regulator questions

Jim & Don , all I can say is that it's been 3+ years since I've had the work done and no issues.
I should point out that I stated "restored in & out"----& I should have pointed out that Caldwell doesn't restore the inside , which is basically impossible , but replaces it with new inners (not Imported) and now my Voltage needle does not dance erratically any more but works as it should. I feel really confident that you"ll be happy with his work. Good luck !