pinky

Hi,
I have a problem with my 1973 olds draining electricity when the car is off and stored.

So here is what I did so far.
Plugged an AMP meter between the + of the battery and the cable.
0.845 Amps are draining

so I went under the dash and popped all the fuses one by one.
with all the fuses of and removed it is still draining 0.845 Amps


so there I disconnected the alternator (the connector on top) and the amps drain came down to 0
I reconnected the alternator and there is no more drainage.

If now I start the car ( remove the amp meter) then stop the car and put the amp meter back, I get the drainage back.



Any ideas ?
What should I look for ?
Is it my regulator that's shot? My alternator that shortcut ?



PS: it's a 1973 olds delta 88 royale convertible

Oldsguy

The regulator is cheaper and easier to replace. Can you take the car to an auto parts place that will check the alternator in the car? Many of them do this and it might help you eliminate the alternator.

pinky

I can get a regulator ?

is there a way to test the regulator once I remove it ?
Am I on the right track, alternator or regulator or totally off ?

kevinkpk

If it is original voltage regulator, points are stuck, new replacement should be available with electronic no more points. I bought one recentley for a 70 model, $17 at autozone.

kevinkpk

I should add if the AMP light is one even dim after you kill the engine, you disconnect either battery terminal, and reconnect and it clears the light it is the voltage regulator.

Oldsguy

I searched my local O'reilly store here in the midwest and came up with this.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/Produ...&currentPage=0

kevinkpk

You know I miss those old voltage regulators with the points to adjust on charge, off charge, hmm........... not!