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| | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 39 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 39 | The other day, while out driving my '55 Chevy(all original, 6cyl) I noticed that the Amps Gauge showed a constant state of charge. I don't know how long it had done this. Last night when I tried to start it there was no battery left to do so. I haven't had time to look at it, but I wonder if the Voltage Regulator needs replaced or adjusted and it was overcharging and thus damaging the battery? Ever have this? I haven't done much if any work on the voltage regulator. I don't know if I'd be better off just replacing it.
What do you think? Thanks,Scott | | | | | Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 693 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 693 | the shop manual details exactly how to clean and adjust the VR... however you may be more comfortable replacing it - which is a 5 minute job. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | Its possible the bat was bad & caused the reg. to continue chargeing. Its also possible the reg went bad & burned up the bat. I would charge the battery & test it or have it tested. If the bat is good or you get a new one, start it up & put a volt meter across it. If its a 12 volt system the voltage should not go over 14.6 volts with the engine reved up a little. If it does the reg is stuck or needs adjusting. It is best to get a new one if needed. Cleaning & adjustment is best left to an experienced person.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 202 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 202 | Hi, Scott, check the battery fluid level and if low top up with distilled water before putting it on the charger, also clean and tighten all battery connections and grounds.
Keep the 216's running. 1949 1/2 ton model #1314 (US 3104) Brian
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 39 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 39 | I had O'Reillys check the battery and they said it was bad. I did find a good used one and I have a new voltage regulator on order. Is there anything special about hooking it up? It's been years...maybe 20+ since I last tinkered with one. I thought at one point there was a procedure for reversing the polarity or something. Maybe that's not necessary. Thanks,Scott | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,763 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,763 | You need to polarize the generator by using a short jumper wire to make a momentary connection between the "Bat" and "Arm" terminals of the regulator after all the wires are connected. Half a second or so is plenty. This creates the proper magnetic flux in the generator housing to charge the battery with the correct polarity.
Once the generator is charging, let it run for 10-15 minutes and check the terminal voltage at the battery. Depending on the state of charge of the battery, the voltage reading will be somewhere between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. Above or below those readings indicates the regulator needs adjusting. If you need some specific adjustment numbers, drop me a PM. I have some Delco-Remy service manuals that go into great detail about adjustment procedures.
Jerry
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| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 39 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 39 | Do I need to polarize it before or after I start it? While it's running? Thanks,Scott | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | once everything is hooked up and before it's started
Bill | | |
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