Voltage regulator location?

[mejulihn]

My voltmeter in the center console is showing a fluctuating current in the electrical system lately (mostly overcharging). Where is the voltage regulator located and can it be tested while in the car? The Haynes manual is not much help here.

[paulhagedorn]

I am pretty sure that the voltage regulator is the rectangular box type thing that plugs into the relay board. It isn't covered by the black plastic. It has two screws that hold it in on the side. I don't know if there is any way to accurately test the regulator or not. Check for loose connections to the voltmeter. Something may be grounding or shorting out.

Paul

[John Rogers]

The regulator is the metal box that plugs into the relay board and there may be two small screws holding it in. You can open the case and clean the contacts with fine emory cloth paper and use some electrical cleaner to clean it well. I have to do the to our 1974 stock 914 about once every two years. Good luck.

[scriabin]

A note of caution:

whatever regulator you install, old original or aftermarket, try to use the shortest two screws possible, SHORT IS GOOD. I once used slightly longer screws that were easy at hand and bridged circuit tracks under the relay board's tar insulation. Thought I just had a glitch in the dash gauge warning light, until the car died, duh. They're apparently short with good reason.

--john

[mejulihn]

Thanks for your input. I purchased a replacement voltage regulator (Borg-Warner part number R588) at Pep Boys today per Brian's suggestion and plugged it right in. Incidentally, the part was listed under "Porsche 914" in their electronic DB. And Scriabin you are correct, the two screws that hold the VR in place are very short. Fortunately, my car still has the originals.

[mejulihn]

[This message has been edited by mejulihn (edited 11-28-2000).]

[jackorte]

Borg Warner part # R588 is solid state replacemnet.Available at www.wrenchhead.com