The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay NOS Delco Regulator

Hello.

I have regularly researched on the forums and learned a lot but have never posted as a lot of this is new to me. In spite of reading previous threads about regulators I still have some hesitation and questions and would like to obtain others knowledgable opinions before moving forward. My NOS Delco regulator is overcharging.

My truck is a 1949 3800 essentially stock with a six volt system. The 216 engine is from a 1953 3600 ( previous owner installed ) with 45 amp generator. I replaced the entire 6 volt wiring harness with a reproduction 6 volt harness. The Gen has been rebuilt and successfully checked several times . All connections are clean and tight. Regulator is grounded to the firewall cleanly. I ran a ground wire from regulator base secured by one of the three regulator firewall screws back to the generator.

Originally I purchased an aftermarket made in USA regulator from a chain auro parts store and this regulator seemed to not kick in and show charging unless I really got the RPMs up. Even then that was intermittent. I assumed the cutout relay points were not closing.

Reading the helpful posts of Hotrod Lincoln and others I thought a NOS Delco regulator would be the answer. I ran the numbers and obtained a Delco regulator rated for 45 amps matched to my generator according to the Master Parts Catalog. I thought the screws on this regulator might make adjustments easier.

This regulator is overcharging. The ammeter needle never goes back to zero or close to the middle on the highway after driving several minutes. Fearing further problems with battery overcharging I took Gen and Reg off and asked local auto electric shop to check.

They agreed Reg was overcharging almost like for an 8 volt battery. They said I had a " bad regulator" . However I noticed they simply used a small handheld multimeter and did not check amperage but only voltage. I really was hoping and figured they would check it like the service manual but they didn't . I figured they knew more than me and I didn't want be rude . Then they tried to sell me an alternator but the truck should stay original in my opinion.

It seems this regulator adjustment is becoming a lost art or few want to do it.

I bought a large older multimeter capable of high amperage at a swap meet today with the idea that I am going to have to try this myself. I am fairly hesitant however for fear of causing more harm .

Sorry for the long background.... But I don't really don't know which direction to go.

Is this overcharging occurring because the cut out relay voltage too low?

Is this NOS Delco Reg really " bad" or just need adjusted ?

The manual I think describes adjusting the cut out closing voltage , then the voltage regulator, then the current regulator. Is this the correct sequence ? This seems different sequence than some of the posts .

Can I just try adjusting the screw counterclockwise on the cut out relay ?

Didn't intend to make such a long post but was trying to provide enough background. Sure wish I knew of some Stovebolters in Southern Indiana.

Thanks.

vette1968 ,

Here's a cover photo of a GM printed regulator manual

that I bought at a garage sale years ago ,

PIC

https://i.postimg.cc/K8RMcqCk/Delco-Remy-Generator-Regulators-Teaser.jpg


I copied each page with my scanner & made it into a very readable

PDF.file .

Give me your email address & I'll email to you the complete pdf.file .

Free..........no charge .

Just don't put it up on ebay as it's MY pdf.file .

It's an oldie............but a goodie ...........totally illustrated in late 1940's style

put out by Delco Remy training school .


George
'54 3600

I would appreciate that George, thank you.

I do not have access to PMs and am not sure how to provide my e mail. Perhaps you can PM me and I can then respond with my e mail ?

Vette, you only need a few more posts to qualify for the PM option.

George, I'd be interested in obtaining a copy of "your PDF" as well.
Thanks.
Rusty Rod

vette1968 ,

Click on my stovebolt screen name

my email address is in my profile .

I'll send the pdf.file to you as soon as I receive your email address .

George
'54 3600

sent. Thanks again.

Thanks George. I did click on your name . It says I do not have permission to view user profiles. When I do get permission I will e mail you. Thanks for being willing to share your pdf. Sounds like you put a lot work into it.

vette1968 ,

One more post by you then you'll be over the moderation .

Then we can trade emails .

The pdf.file is sitting on my desktop already to send to you .

This old Delco Remy manual will solve your problem .


George
'54 3600

This book?

http://www.navioneer.org/riprelay/The%20Navion%20Files/Delco_Remy_Generator_Regulators.pdf

I sent you an e mail '54 3600. Thanks.

vette1968 ,

I sent you a pdf.file by email .

G.

Thanks again. I got the regulator adjusted . This forum is a great source of information with a lot of helpful people.

Thanks to both ‘53 3600 and Gord&Fran for the voltage regulator booklet. It’s a really good learning resource for all of us, especially us novice, weekend mechanics.

For those who want more documentation on Delco-Remy generators and regulators, you can find quite a bit of info on the Navion site. Navions and some other light aircraft used auto generators and alternators. Of course, if you buy the parts an aircraft parts supplier, you pay way more than if you bought them at an auto parts store!

http://www.navioneer.org/riprelay/The%20Navion%20Files/navion.htm

(scroll down to the Delco-Remy section)

More good stuff. Thanks Gord!!

Same with getting aircraft parts worked on, don't mention it is aircraft, some will not even work on it if they know. I work on my own aircraft parts.

Ed