voltage regulator - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rage777 · 04-03-2009, 11:48 PM

i got a new volt. regulator and it's slightly different than the stock one. what is the difference if there is any? do i need to attach the other parts to the new one? what is the cylinder at the top it?

**VetteVet** · 04-04-2009, 01:32 AM

I believe the regulator in the top picture is for a gauge style dash and the 2nd picture is for the idiot light style dash. I am guessing that the top one is the one you have in your truck. The resistor is the small wire wound piece in the top photo and if you have the gauge style dash you will need a regulator with this resistor. It supplies resistance to the sensing terminal on the alternator and without it the alternator will not charge.
The small cylindrical object is a condenser and is used to smooth out the induced voltages that are produced when the regulator points open. There is usually one on the ignition coil as well and it serves the same purpose. They also dampen radio noise.

rage777 · 04-04-2009, 02:13 AM

would it be possible to retrofit the newer one?

68gmsee · 04-04-2009, 09:33 AM

I think the only difference is that most of the new ones are solid state. At least the replacement I got for my GMC was. Doesn't matter if you have gauges or lamps.

They're made to regulate the voltage depending on vehicle's needs to keep it at constant level. Old style had mechanical relays to regulate voltage and new ones have transistors.

dan42 · 04-04-2009, 11:23 AM

Rage, you ought to consider an alternator with the internal regulator - less hassle, and they often clean up any problems you might have with the radio due to power surges, etc.

**VetteVet** · 04-04-2009, 12:22 PM

You can bypass the resistor by wiring one of similar value into the blue wire that comes off the regulator. it will need to be of similar value as the one you have on the old regulator.
I concur with the other guys and to me this would be a non option. The alternator and regulator would still be outdated and for the price of an internal regulated alternator and the simplicity of conversion, it's a no brainer. If you plan on updating to an electric cooling fan or high wattage stereo then you are going to have to convert anyway.
These old regulators just don't cut it with all the newer higher amperage goodies.
If you have the gauge style dash then you will still have to wire in a resister and a diode to make the alternator charge. We can help you on the conversion but post in the electrical forum and your thread will stay on the first page longer. Good luck.

19673ontree · 04-04-2009, 12:55 PM

you know I brag about the dependable nature of the stock type alternator and firewall mounted regulator and have never had a problem with it ,
but one thing I do know from just plain ole try it and see method of mechanical trouble shooting is that either of the above pictured regulator's
WILL CHARGE either WITH or WITHOUT the condensor , I think that the condensor is more of a radio noise supressor than something that is needed for the charging system ,

19673ontree · 04-04-2009, 01:14 PM

just looked it up (TO BACK UP WHAT I ALREADY KNEW)

the condensor on the voltage regulator is a radio noise supressor or noise filter , whatever you want to call it , has nothing to do with the charging system working or not ,,,

rage777 · 04-05-2009, 04:03 PM

i ordered a 70 amp internal reg'd alt. since i'm upgrading the elec. system anyway. i figured you guys are probably right. thanks.

ap2002 · 04-05-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rage777

i ordered a 70 amp internal reg'd alt. since i'm upgrading the elec. system anyway. i figured you guys are probably right. thanks.

how hard of a swap is to go to the internal regd alternator? as far as wiring goes?

04-03-2009, 11:48 PM	#1
rage777 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 65	voltage regulator i got a new volt. regulator and it's slightly different than the stock one. what is the difference if there is any? do i need to attach the other parts to the new one? what is the cylinder at the top it? Attached Images __________________ 1972 Chevy C10 Long Bed 454 Big Block Turbo 400 3 Speed Dual Flowmaster Edelbrock 750 Carb Power Steering Disc front brakes Drum rear brakes B&M Floor Shifter

04-04-2009, 01:32 AM	#2
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,715	Re: voltage regulator I believe the regulator in the top picture is for a gauge style dash and the 2nd picture is for the idiot light style dash. I am guessing that the top one is the one you have in your truck. The resistor is the small wire wound piece in the top photo and if you have the gauge style dash you will need a regulator with this resistor. It supplies resistance to the sensing terminal on the alternator and without it the alternator will not charge. The small cylindrical object is a condenser and is used to smooth out the induced voltages that are produced when the regulator points open. There is usually one on the ignition coil as well and it serves the same purpose. They also dampen radio noise. __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

04-04-2009, 02:13 AM	#3
rage777 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 65	Re: voltage regulator would it be possible to retrofit the newer one? __________________ 1972 Chevy C10 Long Bed 454 Big Block Turbo 400 3 Speed Dual Flowmaster Edelbrock 750 Carb Power Steering Disc front brakes Drum rear brakes B&M Floor Shifter

04-04-2009, 09:33 AM	#4
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: voltage regulator I think the only difference is that most of the new ones are solid state. At least the replacement I got for my GMC was. Doesn't matter if you have gauges or lamps. They're made to regulate the voltage depending on vehicle's needs to keep it at constant level. Old style had mechanical relays to regulate voltage and new ones have transistors.

04-04-2009, 11:23 AM	#5
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: voltage regulator Rage, you ought to consider an alternator with the internal regulator - less hassle, and they often clean up any problems you might have with the radio due to power surges, etc. __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

04-04-2009, 12:22 PM	#6
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,715	Re: voltage regulator You can bypass the resistor by wiring one of similar value into the blue wire that comes off the regulator. it will need to be of similar value as the one you have on the old regulator. I concur with the other guys and to me this would be a non option. The alternator and regulator would still be outdated and for the price of an internal regulated alternator and the simplicity of conversion, it's a no brainer. If you plan on updating to an electric cooling fan or high wattage stereo then you are going to have to convert anyway. These old regulators just don't cut it with all the newer higher amperage goodies. If you have the gauge style dash then you will still have to wire in a resister and a diode to make the alternator charge. We can help you on the conversion but post in the electrical forum and your thread will stay on the first page longer. Good luck. __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

04-04-2009, 12:55 PM	#7
19673ontree CAN'T FIX NOTHIN Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SOUTHRUST VIRGINIA !!! Posts: 2,112	Re: voltage regulator you know I brag about the dependable nature of the stock type alternator and firewall mounted regulator and have never had a problem with it , but one thing I do know from just plain ole try it and see method of mechanical trouble shooting is that either of the above pictured regulator's WILL CHARGE either WITH or WITHOUT the condensor , I think that the condensor is more of a radio noise supressor than something that is needed for the charging system , __________________ 1967 C10 Shortbed Fleetside Small back glass 6 cyl 3spd on the tree 3.08 gears underdash AC

04-04-2009, 01:14 PM	#8
19673ontree CAN'T FIX NOTHIN Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SOUTHRUST VIRGINIA !!! Posts: 2,112	Re: voltage regulator just looked it up (TO BACK UP WHAT I ALREADY KNEW) the condensor on the voltage regulator is a radio noise supressor or noise filter , whatever you want to call it , has nothing to do with the charging system working or not ,,, __________________ 1967 C10 Shortbed Fleetside Small back glass 6 cyl 3spd on the tree 3.08 gears underdash AC

04-05-2009, 04:03 PM	#9
rage777 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 65	Re: voltage regulator i ordered a 70 amp internal reg'd alt. since i'm upgrading the elec. system anyway. i figured you guys are probably right. thanks. __________________ 1972 Chevy C10 Long Bed 454 Big Block Turbo 400 3 Speed Dual Flowmaster Edelbrock 750 Carb Power Steering Disc front brakes Drum rear brakes B&M Floor Shifter



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