The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Points problem?

My old coil exploded cause I accidently left the key on. I replaced the coil with a 12V universal coil and started the old truck. It ran a few seconds and sputtered and died. I checked the points and found them burned, so I filed them and restarted the truck which ran again for a few seconds and died. I bought new points, installed them, and it ran for a few minutes and sputtered and died. I then filed the new points, added a resistor to the + side of the coil, and it started and runs OK now. I'll replace the new points when AutoZone gets some more. I checked the voltage on both sides of the resistor and found 16.5V on the + side and 13.5 on the other side. I think this is too high, but it was read with the engine speed at fast idle. I looked in the manual to check about adjusting the voltage regulator, but it appears to be complex.

Any comments or suggestions?

16.5 volts is way too high. You are going to cook the battery and blow all the bulbs for starters. Look in the Tech Tips. Someone put some info on generators just recently.

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Have you checked your voltmeter lately? Just to make sure.

You either need to adjust the regulator or replace it. Also, when you get the new points get a new condensor.

I wrote the tech tip article, and then had a heart attack before I got around to the "How To Adjust" part about the regulator. That's coming soon! Basically, start with a fully-charged battery, and run the engine at a fast idle. Adjust the set of points at the far right with the screw or spring anchor, whichever your regulator has, until the voltage at the battery positive post is 14.7 volts or so. You might have to recheck it several times, but do the final check with the regulator cover in place, as installing the cover lowers the setting slightly. I usually adjust the regulator to 15 volts or slightly less, and shoot for 14.6/14.7 with the cover installed. Good luck!
Jerry