I am having voltage reulation problems on a '72 442 with an exteral voltage regulator.

The voltage is visible surging from low to high because the lights dim then get bright and then dim and get bright.

It is also overcharging the battery.

Do I need to adjust the voltage regulator screw clockwise to decrease the load to unloaded voltage swing?

 

442 had internally regulated alternators starting 1969. If you have an external regulator and a correct for 442 alternator, I think that's where you'll find your problem. Look at the plug on the alternator itself. If the plug looks like I I it is an externally regulated unit. If it looks like - - it is internally regulated. If you have IR unit, it's fighting the external regulator.

You need to look real close and make sure you have a 442 and not a Cutlass with badges added. The 72 car is very easily cloned.

 

But the thing with that is the 442 went back to an option instead of it's own model in 72 and therefore I don't believe they got the internally regulated alternators that year.

 

Thanks for the input. The plug on the alternator actually looks like a "T". and the voltage regulator is mounted on the firewall.

As far as I can tell the car is authentic. Everything is waht is called for by the book for this being a real 442. Hood, sway bars, boxed trailing arms, badging etc. are correct. Can't tell beyond that.

However, I just found another thread with the same problem. I am going to see if he got it corrected.

Thanks,