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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / Voltage regulator

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Discussion Topic: Voltage regulator -- page: 1 2

silverchief

06-26-2018 @ 9:30 AM

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I have a year old Optima battery in my stock 46 coupe.
I had the vendor test it recently because of it growing weaker over a period of weeks. It tested good, just over 6 volts. However, within about a week it was testing about 5.5 volts when at rest.

On 7-5-17 in response to a generator problem, TomO furnished directions for testing the charging system, including the regulator.
Running his test on my regulator shows slightly less than 6 volts at rest, and less than 7 volts at 1,500 rpm. which indicates a low charging rate, and could explain my battery growing weaker over time.

My regulator is like new. Supereal says trying to adjust a regulator without years of experience and proper equipment is just asking for trouble - so forget that.

I have two like new regulators I bought from a member retiring from the hobby. One is in a box marked "Authorized reconditioned regulator" and appears new but shows no brand name. It is marked Made in the USA"
The other has paperwork showing it was rebuilt by Generator Exchange Company in Denver, and shows no evidence it has ever been installed. However, on it's cover is printed " FAJ-10505-A regulator," and the words "7 volts" and the words "50 amps".

I should add that I had my generator rebuilt last year. If I pull the lights or radio on at idle, the amp meter shows a discharge, but with slight acceleration it comes right back to normal, so it appears to be doing it's job.

I'm considering replacing my current regulator with one of the two but am suspicious of both.

Any input will be appreciated..

This message was edited by silverchief on 6-26-18 @ 10:15 AM

ford38v8

06-26-2018 @ 12:38 PM

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WE all know the term "rebuilt" has had different definitions over the years, but I see no problem in trying out either or both the regulators you have, and using TomO's directions in comparing them to your present regulator.

Supereal's advice is good also. One thing I'll add, is that accurate testing of any adjustment should be done at operating temperature, which means under-hood temperature! Bench testing an electro-mechanical regulator will not give you a good test.

Alan

4dFordSC

06-26-2018 @ 1:46 PM

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My Optima will read 6 volts immediately after shutdown, but then drifts down to around 5.8 at rest. It's never been a problem.

Yokomo99

06-26-2018 @ 2:23 PM

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At my work we charge AGM batteries a a rate of 2.35 volts per cell so on your car generator you should see about 7.05 to 7.1 volts while driving if the battery is fully charged and if it gets to 7.2 volts (2.4 volts per cell) then you are pushing it. The battery should show between 6 and 6.3 volts at rest.
AGM batteries have a low internal resistance and will recharge faster than a flooded lead/acid battery. All of these readings are dependant on the temperature so these figures are only relative and will vary a few points between freezing and room temperature.
I cannot give you direct readings because the AGM batteries I am referring to are 36 volt and weigh 4,500 lbs each. They are really expensive and we take very good care of them.

Matt

Be sure to check out my YouTube pages at:

https://www.youtube.com/user/MatthewBergin1

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCdOfmXtM8xO9nXeQ-iSQQ

silverchief

07-02-2018 @ 10:51 AM

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I swapped out my regulator for one of two extras I have.

It shows exactly the same low charge readings as the other, both at idle,(slightly below 6V) and at 1,500 rpm, (slightly below 7V)

I can't believe both are "out of range," and as previously stated, the remaining regulator has 7v and 50 amp printed on the cover. What is that all about?

My generator was rebuilt about two years ago and there is no indication is is not working properly.

Not sure what to do at this point.

cliftford

07-02-2018 @ 4:09 PM

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Assuming all wires and connections are good, and reg. well grounded, I would pull the gen and check it over.

cliftford

07-02-2018 @ 4:09 PM

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Assuming all wires and connections are good, and reg. well grounded, I would pull the gen and check it over.

07-02-2018 @ 4:16 PM

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cliftford,

Can you repeat that?....

Sincerely,
MG

cliftford

07-02-2018 @ 7:31 PM

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Please excuse the multiple entrys

ford38v8

07-02-2018 @ 10:19 PM

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Darn it, Bruce. You take all the fun out of it.

Alan

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