Quote:
Originally Posted by 304065
It is not preferred. In the 1980s, semiconductor technology had progressed to the point where internal VRs were available. . . .for watercooled cars with the alternator mounted on a bracket in the engine compartment with its own fan.
Our cars have the alternator mounted 2" above the hot engine, and the VR heat-soaks when the engine is turned off. Heat is the enemy of electrical components and the internal VR can be thought of as a giant, solid-state switch which generates its own heat.
I did a Club Race at Gingerman once, hauled there 14 hours, and had the alternator light come on in the race! I thought I had broken the belt so I immediately hit the pits. Turns out it was the internal VR in my alternator, throwing up its hands! When it cooled down, it worked again.
So if you have a 79 with an external VR, keep it as long as you can.
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"..when it cooled down..."
The six high, >80 amp, current rectifying diodes are under a low more working stress, and subject to the same HEAT level, as an internal VR. VR is only switching, PWM, fully on or fully off, about 10% of the current level of those diodes.
My guess would be that you experienced a failure due more to component, metal, expansion, and vibration.
Solid state components very rarely "cure" upon subsequent cooldown. I have seem them seemingly exhibit that symptom, only to later discover upon reheated to the same level.....