I have not driven my '46 Chevy Pickup at night in years until the other night. The headlights are so dim that I thought that I would get into an accident before I got home. I am only getting 4 volts to the lamps and when I turn them on, the gauge goes to the discharge side. This was my Dads project and now it's mine. Years ago I remember adjusting the voltage regulator with him to avoid the lights dimming at idle but I don't remember how to do it. You guys have helped me before and now I need some more help. How can I get the most out of my 6V Sylvania sealed Beam headlights.I have attached a photo of the Delco Remy regulator.
1946 1/2 ton Chevy Pickup 1954 235 cu in 3 speed on the floor
First, clean up all the connections in the headlight circuit, then check the voltage at the battery posts (NOT the cable clamps) with the engine running at a fast idle. It should be around 7.5 volts against a fully-charged battery. (Charging the battery before doing any adjusting is VERY important). If the voltage is low, turn the Phillips-head adjusting screw on the right hand coil in your picture clockwise a little at a time to raise the voltage. DO NOT mess with the other adjustments. Before doing any adjusting, disconnect a battery cable and scrub a clean piece of business card stock or a slice or a file card between all the points in the regulator.. DO NOT use a file of any kind, or sandpaper on the points.
Be aware that the voltage regulator setting will drop slightly when the regulator cover is reinstalled- - - -steel conducts magnetism better than air does- - - -so set the voltage regulator a tenth of a volt or a little more higher than the final setting you want.
Now, once the charging system is adjusted, try fixing the real problem- - - - it's most likely corroded contacts in the dimmer switch. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
Thank you. Checked the battery voltage -Good Checked the grounds for the lights - Good. Checked all connections - Good Ran a business card through contacts I only needed to turn the adjustment on the regulator a little less than 1/2 turn and got 6 volts on my analog meter.I think it's all good but I will have to wait until dark to take it for a ride. The color of the light is better now on the wall of my barn.
Last edited by Gary P.; 09/19/20196:15 PM.
1946 1/2 ton Chevy Pickup 1954 235 cu in 3 speed on the floor
A fully charged battery will have an open circuit voltage of 6.3 volts with the engine stopped, and/or a specific gravity of the electrolyte of 1.250 or above.
TEST DON'T GUESS!
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
This is what happens when you live with a house-full of women, the wife and daughters name all the cars: 1960 Impala - "Frankie" (Frank Sinatra) 1961 Apache - " 'Mater Jr." (wrecker) 1965 Corvair Monza Convertible 1967 C20 "Ol' Blue" (hidden in a log cabin for 30 years) 1972 SuperBeetle Convertible - "Juliet" 1976 SuperBeetle Convertible - "Olaf" 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce - "Romeo"
