Classic/Antique Car Repair/voltage regulator

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Expert: - 8/30/2009


Question
Hi, we have a 61 comet. Is adjustment necessary on a voltage regulator? Someone has said this might need to be done. We trying to problem shoot a charging problem(or lack thereof) Thanks for your time

Answer
Usually adjusting a voltage regulator will not be the cure for a no charge condition. The trouble shooting procedure connect a voltmeter across the battery. Then disconnect the "F" field wire from the "F" terminal of the voltage regulator. Start the engine and jumper the Field wire to the "B" battery terminal of the regulator or to the NEG terminal of the battery. Slowly increase the engine speed to about 1500 RPM. The voltmeter should read above 7.75 volts. If so the generator is charging and one can suspect that the voltage regulator is not functioning. Voltage regulator adjustment is done when there is charging current and just tailors the setting.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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