VintAGE-Vans

Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER.... A's, G's & E's


+4
jkr
donivan65
dix
Van crazy
8 posters

    Voltage (High)

    avatar
    Van crazy


    Number of posts : 533
    Location : buffalo ny
    Registration date : 2011-08-04

    Voltage (High) Empty Voltage (High)

    Post by Van crazy Sat Jul 22, 2017 8:45 am

    I'm stumped on this I need the master on this one. Voltage regulator 14.9 - 15.5 seems to get that after it warms up sometimes it seems like it's working and the jumps up to high 15s
    dix
    dix
    Moderator 1st Class
    Moderator 1st Class


    Number of posts : 8726
    Location : pittsburgh pa
    Age : 66
    Registration date : 2008-05-29

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by dix Sat Jul 22, 2017 11:34 am

    most likley the alternater is bad i just went thru this, you have some work ahead of you is the alternater a single field ?? if so it has to go along with the voltage regulator mine was spiking , it blue out a single field alternator the voltage regulater both headlights and a turn signel and melted the wire at the amp gauge to the alternater, the problem starts at the amp gauge look at the posting i send next it shows how to update to a newer system


    _________________
    still vannin since 1974
    dix
    dix
    Moderator 1st Class
    Moderator 1st Class


    Number of posts : 8726
    Location : pittsburgh pa
    Age : 66
    Registration date : 2008-05-29

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by dix Sat Jul 22, 2017 11:36 am



    _________________
    still vannin since 1974
    donivan65
    donivan65
    Governor
    Governor


    Number of posts : 12218
    Location : San Diego, California
    Registration date : 2008-05-12

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by donivan65 Sat Jul 22, 2017 6:02 pm

    ,,,,if you have the stock 1 wire field on the alternator and the 2 wire, (FLD/ IGN) voltage regulator,,,,check the voltage at the IGN terminal,,,,,,if the voltage is over 14, then the problem is the regulator,,,,,it is supposed to stop sending a signal out the FLD terminal which tells the alternator to stop charging when voltage gets around 14,,,,,,,,,,,,some of those regulators have voltage adjuster screws,,,,,,,unplug the FLD wire off the regulator and see if voltage drops to check for shorted out field wires,,,,,,,



    Voltage (High) Dscn0014
    avatar
    Van crazy


    Number of posts : 533
    Location : buffalo ny
    Registration date : 2011-08-04

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by Van crazy Sun Jul 23, 2017 3:40 am

    I took it out yesterday regulator appears to working jumping from 14.9 to 15.2 or so once I get to full charge should I worry about this the thing is I never was watching it so closely before all three voltage regulators do the same thing and also 2 alternators the alternator has a ground brush and field post on it
    donivan65
    donivan65
    Governor
    Governor


    Number of posts : 12218
    Location : San Diego, California
    Registration date : 2008-05-12

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by donivan65 Sun Jul 23, 2017 10:49 am

    ,,,,,is that voltmeter lying to you,,,,,,,,you cant be getting over 14.5 at the IGN terminal on the regulator IF the regulator is doing its job,its job is to shut off the alternator when the voltage gets to 14.5,,,,,,,,,,unless that field wire is shorted out and getting voltage from somewhere else,,,,,,,or a bad ground on the regulator,,,,,the temp affects the voltage regulator setting,,,,,but I think its higher when the engine is cold,,,,,,now here is how we fix our charging systems,,,,,,we get rid of the low output alternator or generator,,,,,and old wiring,,,,and regulator,,,,,by putting on an internal regulator, kinda 1 wire, 3rd Gen Chevy alternator,,,,,,,,,



    Voltage (High) 29_dol10


    Last edited by donivan65 on Sun Jul 23, 2017 10:50 am; edited 1 time in total
    jkr
    jkr


    Number of posts : 1148
    Location : prince edward island canada
    Age : 65
    Registration date : 2008-05-29

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by jkr Sun Jul 23, 2017 10:50 am

    most common problem for older dodge vehicles is a sticking regulator. if it's the old style mechanical unit make sure your fire insurance is paid in full. till you replace and rewire the van for an electronic one your vehicle is at risk. the purist of restorers want to keep everything stock and that's fine for a trailer queen / show vehicle but daily use not so much. 35 plus years pullin wrenches and mostly dodge stuff heed my words. toss the old mechanical point style regulator for an electronic version.
    69
    69


    Number of posts : 433
    Location : Germany, Nds
    Registration date : 2016-10-18

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by 69 Sun Jul 23, 2017 11:08 am

    If your alternator has two field posts, take two wires from these posts to the regulator, direct, with no connectors inbetween. Replace the old mechanical alternator with an electronic one. That's a direct replacement. And with two wires from alternator to regulator, you have no issue with the whole field circuit (one to the regulator, the other to ground at the regulator).

    I suggest to use AWG 12 wire, which should be ok for a normal alternator.

    When I checked my alternator and regulator, it was approx. 5.5 amps running through the field wires (that's not the charge wire, for that I'd suggest at least AWG 4). AWG 12 should be good for up to 7 amps with a wire length of approx. 12 ft (one way).

    Charge wire must take all electrical load - that's e.g. 7 amps for ignition, 6 amps for the head lights, add brake (3.5amps), turn signals (3.5amps). If you have a radio, check that, too. If it's something modern with say 100 watts, add another 15 amps. Just to be on the safe side. Instruments add a little, as do all the small lights. Wipers and heater blower draw a lot as well, as cigarette lighter.
    That adds up to say 40-60 amps while driving - without charging the battery. For that load, AWG 3 would be appropriate from alternator to the first splice / ammeter gauge.
    To ease load on the system, you could add a relay at the ignition system at the rear of the doghouse.

    sweetvan likes this post

    avatar
    Van crazy


    Number of posts : 533
    Location : buffalo ny
    Registration date : 2011-08-04

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by Van crazy Fri Jul 28, 2017 12:50 pm

    [url=https://servimg.Voltage (High) Img_0111[/url]
    Little feedback and thanks all. Well what the problem was bad parts at AutoZone the regulator out of box to high.chrysler type out of box set to high. So thanks Donovan for the tip you were right on as usual I had to adjust it. Thanks again you are the master....Here's a pic of the van so you can see what I'm cruising in these days.
    avatar
    Van crazy


    Number of posts : 533
    Location : buffalo ny
    Registration date : 2011-08-04

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by Van crazy Fri Jul 28, 2017 1:04 pm

    Voltage (High) Img_0211

    This is what AutoZone sold me.
    dix
    dix
    Moderator 1st Class
    Moderator 1st Class


    Number of posts : 8726
    Location : pittsburgh pa
    Age : 66
    Registration date : 2008-05-29

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by dix Fri Jul 28, 2017 1:34 pm

    been there done that. you need to update your system i posted all the info


    _________________
    still vannin since 1974
    slowflapper
    slowflapper


    Number of posts : 956
    Location : GA
    Age : 54
    Registration date : 2010-07-29

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by slowflapper Fri Jul 28, 2017 4:10 pm

    There is a solid state replacement for the old mechanical contacts type voltage regulator. It plugs into the same wiring, it's just solid state and is supposed to help with the gauge flutter and pulsing lights etc.

    It's made/distributed by a company in Alabama called "Regitar", the part number is "C524", you can see it here.

    You probably wont find these at your local parts house, Advance, O'Reilly, and AutoZone didn't have them close to me. They don't sell to the public but they gave me the number of a dealer that carries the part.

    "J&N"
    Contact number: 1-800-366-7100

    J&N carries a lot of old electrical components from what they told me, starters, alternators etc.

    The mechanical VR locally was $30-40, I got the solid state one for $8 + $10 or so for shipping/handling.

    sweetvan likes this post

    avatar
    Van crazy


    Number of posts : 533
    Location : buffalo ny
    Registration date : 2011-08-04

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by Van crazy Fri Jul 28, 2017 7:40 pm

    Awesome info thanks.Funny you mentioned the pulsating light why am I just having this issue and never before. I also was running a AutoZone regulator what type is that because my other 68 has the same one and it works great no pulses in light. I'm noticing it with the Chrysler type.
    slowflapper
    slowflapper


    Number of posts : 956
    Location : GA
    Age : 54
    Registration date : 2010-07-29

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by slowflapper Sat Jul 29, 2017 8:45 am

    Van crazy wrote:Awesome info thanks.Funny you mentioned the pulsating light why am I just having this issue and never before. I also was running a AutoZone regulator what type is that because my other 68 has the same one and it works great no pulses in light. I'm noticing it with the Chrysler type.

    its because of the mechanical regulator, some do it worse then others but the solid state regulator eliminates it.

    The mechanicals are quite literally running off of heat generated by the amp draw and mechanical contacts/points. Thats why the headlights will pulse slowly sitting at a red light or other idle situation.

    I ordered two of the solid state for the price of a single mechanical so I have a spare.

    If you look closely at this picture you can see where the contacts are welded together on the top left corner (they aren't supposed to be) and that's what burns up your charging system and sometimes will literally set it on fire.

    I was headed to a car show and noticed the system was charging wide open, contacts were welded in the regulator.

    Voltage (High) 9dq57OhsiBL2hJ5YmOuEs7tKTgV9z8DjDD_99lwiiMlmXUsknUwzaSWkwgb2Z57gN6khkZ3ornbusTJ1eqGikw6z-AlC8vwsGmJo4rEk3iXpIYhg0VkgsA7_rlrfrfb5awunL94erqJbdAvqpk4lBqbCKCl_qgiMDhOKHWroKE9TdOPncW-rPnyHZFXClBD1tzzXRyFLX89W3ZaRkQ6qCtoK6qu3c6S3mOV9chWQc3226468tIY7sAoQtM4Py5B5fpao5Rm4qTUKEBm8d7ldRS0Vwr8sziArg4du4SZjtVxRyne3WbjJN4bRJaTPio4TMBHC6_Icj2imEQiFsfCKL58QFeug_i_V9G6ycOd1Pxw9N_DWds9hdp-Ykf--Te54Dh_n1fiT7yIm1JnhVrjvzpm11QMEQI14aqJALPl8c41VnipxNH-W-wDHC20NMW0pMMTMq_E8dvVKMMJ9YGogwd0uZTK6LXhVzByySf-nSyutVciknXAzN3XxeXEsTVNBRTnfXW2_RkFEVolvwojl_N9jJjJ9tIlP361RoSMjTByQIXpAj_9eAbKBQdZIaom9E9dS1QEayMDzOzMGZHiHCyy9QsudRIsw6munI-rWEmZpO1Le3cw1XS-T=w1024-h768-no
    sweetvan
    sweetvan


    Number of posts : 242
    Location : Ventura, CA, 93003
    Registration date : 2013-12-16

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by sweetvan Tue Jul 21, 2020 8:19 am

    69,
    In post #8, second sentence, you say to replace the mechanical "alternator" but I think you meant to say regulator. Right?
    69
    69


    Number of posts : 433
    Location : Germany, Nds
    Registration date : 2016-10-18

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by 69 Tue Jul 21, 2020 8:25 am

    Uh-ohhh, you're perfectly right. The alternator will still be "mechanical" Smile
    I meant the regulator, indeed.

    Sorry for the confusion. Embarassed

    sweetvan likes this post

    69
    69


    Number of posts : 433
    Location : Germany, Nds
    Registration date : 2016-10-18

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by 69 Tue Jul 21, 2020 8:37 am

    Sweetvan, Rockauto got you covered for a replacement voltage regulator (for example).
    They have the VR106 (for example), which should be electronic.

    But in general, any (electronic) regulator for a pre 70's Mopar should work, as it's all the same basics Smile

    A NOS MOPAR electronic voltage regulator as used by Dodge themselves from the 70's on is no direct replacement, as wiring is different to our old vans. I wouldn't recommend this conversion, as the connector of the voltage regulator is completely different.

    sweetvan likes this post

    sweetvan
    sweetvan


    Number of posts : 242
    Location : Ventura, CA, 93003
    Registration date : 2013-12-16

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by sweetvan Tue Jul 21, 2020 10:54 am

    69,
    It doesn't appear that VR106 is electronic or will work with a 60 amp alternator. Rock Auto does have a WVE 1v1067 regulator for a 60 amp alternator, but it doesn't say if it is electronic. Rock Auto doesn't seem to have an on-line way to ask a question, even though they only deal on-line.
    69
    69


    Number of posts : 433
    Location : Germany, Nds
    Registration date : 2016-10-18

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by 69 Tue Jul 21, 2020 11:23 am

    Why shouldn't the electronic one work with a 60 amp alternator?

    The electronic one just the same thing as a mechanical one: it switches the field coils inside the alternator on and off (and on and off, and on and off), just much faster.
    sweetvan
    sweetvan


    Number of posts : 242
    Location : Ventura, CA, 93003
    Registration date : 2013-12-16

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by sweetvan Wed Jul 22, 2020 1:25 pm

    Van crazy,
    I sent you a private message re post #10.
    Dan Scully
    Dan Scully


    Number of posts : 254
    Location : Apple Valley Ca
    Age : 67
    Registration date : 2016-07-30

    Voltage (High) Empty Voltage Rgulator

    Post by Dan Scully Wed Jul 22, 2020 1:40 pm

    Use this one, it replaces the stock points regulator when converting to electronic ignition. It will work with points ignition or if you have changed to electronic ignition.

    https://www.summitracing.com/parts/dcc-p3690732?seid=srese1&gclid=CjwKCAjwx9_4BRAHEiwApAt0zgRJnscoq0U0JWMuxKzixtDhRgLNU9eu8mUHlPUx-6ZTBJr9ebwffBoCiBwQAvD_BwE

    Voltage (High) Dcc-3610
    sweetvan
    sweetvan


    Number of posts : 242
    Location : Ventura, CA, 93003
    Registration date : 2013-12-16

    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by sweetvan Wed Jul 22, 2020 2:06 pm

    Hi Dan,
    The ad says 13.5V constant output. Is this what you use? What in? Is it a daily- monthly driver?
    I have not changed to electronic ignition.
    Rock Auto has a VR, part #1V1067, with the same 2 connectors as stock, for use with a 60 amp alternator. I've ordered it and will give that a try. It was $23.25 total, shipped.
    Stay safe, eat well. Richard
    Dan Scully
    Dan Scully


    Number of posts : 254
    Location : Apple Valley Ca
    Age : 67
    Registration date : 2016-07-30

    Voltage (High) Empty Regulator

    Post by Dan Scully Wed Jul 22, 2020 3:01 pm

    This is in my 68  truck , 318 auto. Drive it 6 -8 times a month. This is the Mopar recommended regulator when you change to electronic ignition as that ignition needs a constant voltage for that ignition system. The stock regulator pig tails work with this, also used it on my 64 wagon for 10 plus years.

    Sponsored content


    Voltage (High) Empty Re: Voltage (High)

    Post by Sponsored content


      Current date/time is Thu Mar 28, 2024 1:55 am