alternator/vr problems
 

is the voltage regulator internal or external.

something died this am. lites on as it was dark. belt ok.

charged the system and started the cruiser, checked voltage 12.7, what it should have sitting by itself.

any checks to bypass the vr to see if the altenator is ok.
thanks

check the voltage with the motor running...it should be about 14.8 volts....at the battery....if not change the reg.

cruzin in ventura ca.

12.7 running.
is the vr easy to change?
thanks

yep...the hardest part is not to scratch the paint with your belt buckle...

Series 1 cars run a little lower than series 2 cars.

You are running a little low - you can replace the VR - located on the back of the alternator.

AFJuvat

thanks. does the alternator have to come out to do it?

No, but the air box does!

Disconnect the battery, remove the air box. The VR is held in place with two slotted screws. Remove the screws and pull the regulator out of the alternator. Installation is the reverse process.

I replaced mine without removing the airbox (though I did remove it later for the alternator and it WOULD have been tons easier). You can jack the front and get at it with magic bends from beneath. Only took me an hour!

thanks everyone.

when i posted this i didn't have any manuals in front of me but saw it in haynes after the fact about removing the air box.

when the alt/vr failed i charged the batt with a low rate charge that dropped to "0" amps in two hours.

i went to checker thinking/hoping the might be able to isolate between the alternator or regulator, batt was ok.

the ripple part of his test lead him to believe a diode problem but could it be the regulator or brushes in the assembly were bad and it gave a bogus indication of bad diodes.

i'd love to have this be the vr but realize the diode/s could be bad.

anyone have a working alternator/vr, that needs some lunch money.

If you feel like "rebuilding" your alternator I have a set of stator windings w/diode bridge for an early alternator. $50.00 plus shipping and it's yours.

LOL!


I work on the top to bottom half of the 944 engine but not work on a 944 alternator but It does sounds like you need to just rebuild it. :D

thanks

i'd be interested in a whole alternator w/regulator and all need to be working or just the regulator.

If you pull the regulator you will probably find that the brushes have worn to nothing.... 25-50 to fix...... use an adjustable regulator as replacement.

These alternators rarely fail. Its the brushes on the regulators that get eaten up pretty fast.

thank you.

i appreciate the input and am about to order to order the new vr for $51 + shipping unless anyone knows of better pricing.

just checking here, are the vr and brush assembly in the same assembly held on by the two screws/bolts on the back of the alternator.