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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: port colborne
Posts: 37
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voltage reg problem
Okay... given all the confusion over the VR and the rats nest of wires by PO, i am going to just convert to a 1 wire system. any recommendations for a good make to get? not needing anything high amp, only running electric fan, stock-ish radio & have converted all lights to LED. thanks
GOOD DAY ALL i have spent the day going thru a ton of posts on Voltage Regulators and i cant seem to find anything that covers my specific problem. hoping someone here will set me on the correct path electrically (pardon the pun) 1972 c10 SBC 350 3 wire alternator w external Voltage Reg no A/C no pwr win, stock radio details low charging voltage @ bat when go thru stock reg -by pass reg (test) alternator pitting around 14.9 15.4v i believe this test confirms the alt is okay? so i suspect the VR so went online Napa Canada out in my vehicle details and was directed to purchase VR142SB as exact fit for my truck, so i ordered it. when i got it a became perplexed i thought it would be a matter of plug and play .."as in EXACT FIT" but it doesn't look like it to me see pics any ideas? thanks Mac Last edited by MacataQ; 08-07-2024 at 09:39 AM. Reason: change of plan |
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#2 | |
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Location: Tucson, AZ USA
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Re: voltage reg problem
Quote:
It looks like a slight design change. The contact on the left [in both pix] goes thru a heat dissapating resister to ground on the box itself. In the newer version, there's a terminal for you to attach EDITED: a Condenser? The Factory also had the VR boxes suspended off the Radiator Core Wall with vibration shedding rubber mounts. I have duplicated this effect by stacking rubber plumbers' washers and this may isolate the VR Box from ground, so groundibg is necessary. To be honest, I had trouble with ''Lifetime Warranty'' replacement parts from O'Reilly's. They bought out Checker Auto and inherited their lifetime warranties, but their replacemts all failed. On my '68 Chevy Stepside, I cannibalized a VR that was on my '67 K/10 Suburban, from 1998. It works fine. On my '71 GMC Jimmy, I got a wiring conversion kit from M&H, and Got a NIB SI-12 Alternator with internal VR. It's working fine.
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Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 08-06-2024 at 03:25 PM. |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: port colborne
Posts: 37
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Re: voltage reg problem
orange
thanks for responding it looks like it lines up correctly the new one does not have aground on the casing like the old one Mac |
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#4 |
Senior Moment
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Location: Pittsburg Ca
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Re: voltage reg problem
I seem to remember something about polarization of a VR. Touching one of the wires to get it flowing in the right direction. "??????????
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1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565 |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: port colborne
Posts: 37
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Re: voltage reg problem
70
not sure on that? any details? Mac |
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#6 |
70+ ( Old Skool Club )
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Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada
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Re: voltage reg problem
following
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1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021 |
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#7 |
Senior Moment
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Location: Pittsburg Ca
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Re: voltage reg problem
This was a long time ago. I remember something about touching Field to Ground. Probably long forgotten due to new Alts with built in Reg ?????
Any body old enough to remember this or am I Dreaming. LOL I’m only 70 and I think my mind still works OK. ????
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1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565 |
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#8 |
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Location: San Ramon,CA
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Re: voltage reg problem
Isn't the L-shaped contact on the left spot welded to the case, or is that an optical delusion?
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1970 C10 Custom longbed 350/350 |
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#9 |
Senior Moment
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Re: voltage reg problem
I’m going to laugh my Ass off if I’m correct here. Do your research, let me know
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1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565 |
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#10 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: port colborne
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![]() Quote:
im not any better a photographer than electrician! Mac Last edited by MacataQ; 08-06-2024 at 02:20 AM. Reason: pic |
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#11 | |
Senior Member
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Location: Tucson, AZ USA
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Re: voltage reg problem
Quote:
All the VRs I've gotten have a selftapping machine screw w/ 1/4'' hex head that grounds the VR. As I said earlier, because the rubber mounting grommets isolate the VR from road vibrations may also isolate it from Ground.
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Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 08-06-2024 at 03:11 PM. |
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#12 |
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Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: port colborne
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Re: voltage reg problem
Orange
yes all the contacts seem mounted on the black plastic piece. so i am assuming that L shaped one is going to be the brown wire on the original VR, using the original female plug. thanks for responding Mac |
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#13 | |
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Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Elkhart, Texas
Posts: 1,733
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Re: voltage reg problem
Quote:
MacataQ, now is your chance to upgrade your charging system. Unless you just want to keep things exactly original, you can install an internally regulated alternator.. Minor wiring modifications and you're in business.. How to do this simple procedure is all over the internet, including our own ELECTRICAL forum. |
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#14 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: port colborne
Posts: 37
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Re: voltage reg problem
Quote:
thanks for the clarification...good to know! i have the wiring diagram to switch to internal alt for later when i can afford to do that, but since this alternator tested fine & already bought new VR, ill keep using it.now i understand how the whole thing works! installing tm...er today, will report results thanks Mac |
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#15 |
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Join Date: Apr 2022
Location: Moorpark, CA
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Re: voltage reg problem
IMHO, stay with the external VR. I am away from mine now but will look when I get back home to see about the "L" tap. I remember on originals there was a condenser so can't remember if that went to that tab or something else.
I think your VR is a solid State one which INHO is better. I do use the Tuff Stuff brand one though (made in USA). I bought mine on Amazon VR is typical suspect if the GEN light is glowing at idle. That "can" also be a failing diode in Alt. Also, a failing ALT can take out VR and vice versa. If you are using a non points dizzy, you should be using a solid state VR. They are more stable at idle. Also on mounting to core support. You want to use Well Nuts (rubber). Most hardware stores, Lowes, etc, even Amazon has them. Can't remember size off hand. |
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#16 |
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Location: Kathleen, GA
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Re: voltage reg problem
I bought one of the solid state VRs a while back, these are made in China now and IMHO are garbage. I periodically surf eBay and have been able to get several good new and used OEM VRs that work. That would be the rout I would go, nothing beats factory original.
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#17 | |
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Re: voltage reg problem
Quote:
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#18 |
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Eastern Oregon
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Re: voltage reg problem
Polarizing is a generator thing ! Had to do it on my MG’s back in the 60/70’s.
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71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD |
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#19 | |
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Florence, MS.
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Re: voltage reg problem
Quote:
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: So Cal
Posts: 1,442
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Re: voltage reg problem
60's GM vehicles with a radio installed will have a condenser mounted on the Ign coil and another on the voltage regulator. Both of these items generate electrical NOISE that will be heard in the radio speaker, if the condenser is not there.
For those that think that terminal hanging out from under the regulator should be grounded, go right ahead. Be sure to do it to your own vehicle and have a fire extinguisher handy. That tab is connected to voltage reg pin #4 and has 12V when the Ign key is turned ON. The body of the regulator must be grounded to the vehicle. As others have mention the rubber mounting requires a separate ground wire. The voltage regulator on the right, in the 3rd image, is the original type with two relays inside of it. The regulator on the left is a modern aftermarket replacement with semi-conductor internals. It is easily identified because it weights less than half of what the original regulators weighed. I have not seen a solid state VR with a wire wound resister mounted on the bottom and I don't recall seeing any VR with a resistor connecting pin#4 to ground. Delco did make some variations of the VR for special optioned vehicles. One variation I'm familiar with was a regulator with only one relay inside. There was no pin #2 and pin #3 and #4 were connected together internally. These were used with CARS that a special gauge package on the console. I don't think it was ever used on trucks. Is the alternator a standard 10DN? DC Generators have iron pole pieces that retain some magnetism with North and South pole ends. New or rebuilt generators must be polarized so that they begin to produce current in the correct direction. Polarizing corrects the North - South orientation before you start spinning the generator. Alternators are AC Generators and don't have fixed polarity field coils. >>I hate to hear they don't work now, because the solid state VRs used to be an "upgrade" over factory VRs.<< Solid state or semi-conductor regulators is what they use inside every Si10 and Si12. As with anything else, some stuff we buy is junk. I've been using a solid state VR for several years now in my '67. I have box full of old relay VR and the one I'm now using actually gave me better idle voltage than the others I tested. All were used take offs.
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'67 GMC 2500, 292, 4spd, AC |
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#21 |
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: So Cal
Posts: 1,442
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Re: voltage reg problem
Optional gauge package with special regulator.
Last image is standard regulator. Notice lack of resistor and indicator light.
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'67 GMC 2500, 292, 4spd, AC |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: port colborne
Posts: 37
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Re: voltage reg problem
well that post was successful in scaring the bejesus out of me and combined with today's rains, i will delay doing anything further on this project. until i know or can confirm more.
To add some additional info if it will help the VR i removed is apparently a Neihof DR-153B, it had no condenser attached to it. it did have black or brown wire connected to the base and from there it goes to the rad cradle bolt then from there to the DS headlight. as for the alternator, all i can see written on it is Delco-Remy. i hope this info is useful and appreciate help and guidance!! thanks Mac |
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#23 | |
Senior Member
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Location: Tucson, AZ USA
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Re: voltage reg problem
Quote:
Do Not Ground here.
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Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. |
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#24 |
All stock and staying that way
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Location: Elkland, PA
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I recently replaced the original 519 VR on my 1970 Blazer with the optional 61A alternator with a new D635 solid state VR. I had a flickering light condition with an occasional voltage spike to 17v. The new one solved all of the issues. I was able to maintain stock appearance with the use of the original embossed Delco Remy Made in USA steel cover.
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1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration in progress... ![]() 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... ![]() 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 41k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 60k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels |
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#25 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Florence, MS.
Posts: 110
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Re: voltage reg problem
Quote:
The alternator is all original, nothing changed or replaced in it. 60k miles in 56 years. |
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