The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Switching from external to internal reg.

I recently have reason to believe my external regulator is going bad. It has been overcharging with the bright lights and all ,being close to the christmas holiday my 72 c/10 may be jealous of all the holiday lights but I know it cant go on this way. Well this happened while on my way to work and when on my way home it stopped overcharging and went normal about 14v ,few days later it happend again and a couple miles now discharged. So I figured (regulator problem) well went to the parts store and found this part to be as much as a new alternator.Wondering what needs to be done to convert this over to an internal reg.Its been a while but I seem to remember doing this to a 66 I had by simply unplug the external reg.and using the 1 wire connection to the battery and abandon the others.I am not certain of this though .Thank you for any input on this.

Copperhead,

I will mention a couple of things, then hope someone that actually knows something hops on board.

If you are actually indicating you would use a single wire alternator, the connection to the system would be pretty straightforward.

The part that might be a sticky-wicket would be if your '72 has a ammeter and/or idiot light.

For either of these to still function properly, the new SI alternator would have to have some connection to the old regulator wires.

Because I'm not familiar with your setup, I will stop here and wait for reinforcements.

Stuart

I have the ammeter and yes that does make sense to have some other connections in series with existing wiring

Copperhead,

Are you contemplating a single wire alternator, or the three wire unit. The single wire would be easier to hook into your existing system I think.

With the three wire, a connection will have to be made between alternator #1 and old regulator #4 (I think). This allows the alternator to be switched on, or excited with the key switch.

The BATT lug on the alternator would go to the starter, or whatever connection was used with the old alternator. I'm not sure on these suggestions, so I am still hoping the troops show up.

Stuart

You will need a different alternator. An externally regulated alternator needs an external regulator. The "one wire" and "three wire" alternators have internal regulators.

Give this site a try.

Converting Alternator to one wire internally regulated

4-5-6 chevy trucks,
Thank you for the link, very helpful. I knew there was a step 2 that I was forgetting.I am headed down to buy a new alternator for a saturday install.

Copperhead,

I too read the link...what is step two?

Stuart

atomarc,
Step 2 is using the ignition wire from old regulator and attaching to the white wire on the new connector (- -)
^
Is that what you meant?

Ive found this site http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml very helpful with electrical issues as I haven't a clue when it comes to wiring problems
Dan

I tried a different regulator last night didnt have any effect,I guess my alternator just couldnt' hack it ,the brushes looked good and the stator was good.

Copperhead,

The upgrade to a SI system is great...just make sure you know what is going on with the charging system now!

It would be entirely possible to install a three wire SI alternator and NOT have it work...if there is a wiring issue that doesn't allow #4 to become energized with the key switch, you are up the old creek so to speak.

You have to make sure what you have now before you throw a bunch of new stuff at it in an attempt to make it work.

Stuart

Well I purchased an SI alternator and found that the the single wire hot lead is all that was needed to make this work .now my ammeter is looking good on the + side. Now it seems it is not as steady of a voltage as before ,I was told that is a higher amp alternator and is variable output as needed,and is working OK at this point with a little woble back and forth on the needle from time to time.Thanks to all that have replied on this problem of mine.