The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay voltage regulator problem

My 1950 GMC, model 253 with 228 engine and 6 volt system. Voltage regulator was not working so I replaced it this morning with a new standard VR -18 regulator, now it shows a large discharge when the key is turned off. And yes I polarized it. The old regulator was not charging the battery ( generator putting out 7 volts but from regulator to battery was .5 volts) and showed a small amount of discharge when key was on and no discharge showing when key was off. Is VR-18 the wrong regulator? And if so what would be the correct one? Or did I do something to cause this?

A large discharge in the "key off" position is caused by stuck cutout relay points. Disconnect a battery cable RIGHT NOW, or the battery will discharge itself through the generator and burn both units out. Your "new" regulator is defective and needs to be replaced. A 1/2 volt drop between the regulator BAT terminal and the battery indicates there's a dirty connection somewhere- - - - -at an ammeter connection, or possibly at the battery cable connection at the starter. You should be getting approximately 7.5 volts, measured at the battery posts (not the cable terminals) with the engine running at a fast idle with a fully charged battery if the regulator is adjusted properly.
Jerry