voltage regulator

[Tritium007]

I hope everyone had a good Memorial Day weekend. My question is whether the voltage regulator is integral to the alternator or is it a separate component? I'm seeing my voltage drop down to around battery voltage when I turn on the headlights. Before I run out and get a new alternator, I thought I would check to see if the solution might be simpler. Of course, I'm assuming the voltage meter on the dash is working correctly. I will have to put a meter on the output to be sure. Any and all insights would be helpful.

 

[6880 Mike]

Integral with the alternator. Last voltage regular on the fender was the '68 models.

 

[magoo]

Make very sure your alternator belt is tight. It should be tight enough that you can't turn the the alternator fan by hand, or at least it should be very hard. I will add just to cover all bases that it can be made too tight also which will be hard on the bearings. The test to check the internal regulator is also very easy. It would be a long explanation, but if you have any reference manuals you can try it.

Mike

 

[bill81vette]

I had trouble with mine a few years ago,replaced the internal regulator and all is well!!!

 

[LVMYVT76]

If you want to keep your car all original, I would check into having the alternator rebuilt by someone locally. It may save you money and possibly some problems with a rebuilt from who know's where.

 

[Peer81]

The alternator is one of the easiest and fun do it yourself rebuilds you can get

Groeten Peter

 

[Tritium007]

Thanks for the inputs guys. I can't think of any reason the belt would get tighter, but it definitely could be a bit loose. I haven't done any work on the car lately (or driven it either :eyerole) and my world has been revolving around the backyard improvements for the last two months, soooooo....I will get my priorities straight and check this out. I'll let you know what the problem is soon. One thing I did notice that was odd is that it looks like the belts for the alt and a/c compressor are on the wrong pulleys at the water pump. I have records that the pump was replaced before I got the car three years ago and that might explain that, but I haven't had any problems with belts or voltage before. Thanks again.

 

[6880 Mike]

...One thing I did notice that was odd is that it looks like the belts for the alt and a/c compressor are on the wrong pulleys at the water pump...

The assembly instruction manual (AIM) has a page showing the correct belt routing and pulley tracks. Compare what you have with what's in the AIM.

 

[Tritium007]

Well I finally got around to looking under the hood and much to my chagrin, found the alternator belt twisted. I never saw one twist like that and stay in the pulleys. It seems that the belt was slipping and causing the symptoms I described. The root cause was of course the A/C belt and the alt belt on the wrong pulleys causing the misalignment that led to the twisted belt. It just took two years to happen. :W