voltage regulator repair adjustment?

glennster · Sep 13, 2012

is there a way to bench test and or adjust a voltage regulator? i have a few delco 6v pos ground regulators that are not that old that either wont charge or charge at a very low rate. i checked the contact points and they are clean and unburnt. there are v-regs from the dealer. looks like the contact points should be set with a feeler gauge? say you had a dvom meter and feeler gauges, how would you test and adjust them on the workbench? heres a pic of one of the reg's

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Untitled URL Link

teddy52food · Sep 13, 2012

The one with the contacts closed controls the voltage. Ground the reg. to the gen. and adjust the spring tighter for more voltage. If the cut-out is working, leave it alone. Make sure the contacts are clean & not pitted.

Owen Aaland · Sep 13, 2012

You would need a variable voltage source to make the adjustments. (I posted the test specifications for a regulator a few days back. it is down about four replies.)

http://ytforums.ytmag.com/viewtopic.php?t=940127&highlight=

The problem I have found most common on these regulators that don't work and look like your example is poor connections between the components of the regulator. A bad connection may not show up just testing with a DVOM. With no load on the circuit it may test fine but with increased amperage load the connection may fail. Many times the problem is between the contact and the arm where it is attached.

Wayne in MN · Sep 13, 2012

You need a fully charged battery, working generator, a carbon load pile, and attaching wires. In other words the regulator needs to be in a working system and at it's normal working temperature. Sun Equipment and Marquette made test benches back in the 60's & 70's just for that purpose.
Find yourself an old electric rebuild shop and the oldest technician to do the job right!
Try Knutson Electric Rebuilding here in Fergus Falls, MN; they do nice work. 218-736-7065.

John T · Sep 13, 2012

Looks like youre getting some good advice. I just dont get into adjusting air gaps and bending little tabs and tweaking sprign tensions over the net, its hard to do all that even if there equipped with the right equipment. If the contacts are clean bright n shiny and allllllll the connections n grounds are good thats often more critical then fine tuning the latch in and out voltages etc by adjusting air gaps and spring tensions. Besides, Im headed to Norman Station Indiana

I think our friend JANicholson has some thoughts on this topic??

John T

Mike M · Sep 13, 2012

You have to run them on a test bench or on the machine. These new ones you have to bend the tab to tighten or loosen the spring tension to change the voltage rate. And they are VERY touchy. You even have to set the lid back on after an adjustment as it will make a differance without it on there for some reason.

teddy52food · Sep 13, 2012

I have been fine tuning them on the tractor where they are being used.

gene bender · Sep 13, 2012

Before you mess with the reg make sure the gen is working as the reg doesent make any amps or volts thats what the gen does. Then make sure the gen is grounded along with the reg. I replace regs on those systems but i do make sure the gen does work and grounds are working also make sure the reg is built for that generator as the old three brush gens take a different reg than the later gens with two brushes.

mite-help · Sep 13, 2012

you guys are right-on. recall doing this in tech school class in early 60's sun equip. very touchy-i can't seem to find decent replacements any more. if you have nos you are lucky--

glennster · Sep 13, 2012

gene, what would the part number be for the reg with the 3 brush genny. i have one m that has a 3 brush genny, and it is a weak charger. the genny checks out fine. the case i-h site doesnt have a separate part number for one.

Owen Aaland · Sep 13, 2012

The original regulator was DelcoRemy number 1118780. That was the number for which I posted the specs.

gene bender · Sep 13, 2012

The Delco gen # would be either a 1101423 or 1101355 i get mine from Car Quest as they are USA built. I will check their # There is a manufacturer who also makes the regstheir # is VR1429 and you dont use the wire from the field to the lite sw. The gens used on the SA,C,Hand Ms are 1100501 and 1100531 those dont have the third brush and take a different reg. The VR1429 i get are from either T.H.E. Company or nnalert

barnE · Sep 13, 2012

Worked with a Frenchman in the sixties. He could do 30 in an hour. Used I think SUN machine and needlenose pliers. I only did a couple. You need to identify 3 parts of regulator. Cut out, voltage relay, amperage relay if I recall. Dave

Janicholson · Sep 13, 2012

There are only three additions to what has been said. Each different model may have different air gaps and pull in settings. So specifications are really needed (some supplied in the previous post noted here) AND the battery must be fully charged, and very crisp to assure a clean adjustment. finally, speed of the engine must be above 3/4 open to assure strong output.
Old Sun, or Allen testing gauges still required a test stand with generator, or special voltage/amperage power supply, or in vehicle testing. Jim

k6zrx · Sep 13, 2012

I have adjusted several per the instructions in the service manual for my old Chryslers with AutoLite electrical. I drive these old cars on a regular basis. My 1950 Dodge is my everyday car, so it all has to be reliable.
I have had bad luck with new regulators. They just don't seem to last. Gave up on new ones and went to cleaning and adjusting the old ones. All are charging properly and working well. Don't know about Delco, but AutoLite says to use wire feelers to set the gaps.

Like others have said, be sure the generator is working properly, brushes and brush tension good.

Find the detailed instructions and follow them. There are lots of little things to do right, like the direction to burnish the points.

The "Motor" brand of auto repair books from back in the day has general instructions, and if you are lucky, the specs for your unit if it was ever used in a car. Studebaker used some Delco stuff, and maybe Nash and AMC too.

Josh

gene bender · Sep 14, 2012

The Car Quest # for the gen 1101423,355 three brush is 271670 DOES NOT WORK ON GENS 11O1501,531 This should get you going

voltage regulator repair adjustment?

glennster

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teddy52food

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Owen Aaland

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Wayne in MN

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John T

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Mike M

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teddy52food

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gene bender

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mite-help

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glennster

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Owen Aaland

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gene bender

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barnE

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Janicholson

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k6zrx

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gene bender

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