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hello all,

I have a 1970 Cutlass Supreme convertible - my external voltage regulator whines (pitch changes with engine rev), the GEN light is on, and the regulator feels like it it is vibrating when I put my hand on it. Replaced the regulator with a NAPA regulator - same problem continues - took the alternator in for a check - checked as OK. What the heck it up?

Owned the car for 20 years, never had electrical problems before...

Original alternator # 1100777 55 Amp OA27 - car has AC & 350 engine, if that matters.

Help me figure out what is wrong...

Thanks!
Scott in PA

stellar

check grounds. If you have a condenser on the reg, unplug it to see if vibration quits. Try a solid state reg on it from a parts store. They look like the same but are lighter and have no points in them. Usually cheaper too.

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I have checked the battery to engine block grounding wire, and the regulator is secured screwed to firewall, so what other grounds should I be checking - Had the car for 20 years, and never had ANY electrical problems before (lucky, I know) - so I am new to trouble-shooting this kind of problem

Also not the condenser - already checked that...

stellar

Check body ground, or run a temporary jumper from bat to reg base to test. Check for corroded wires at reg plug.

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checked all the grounds with volt meter, continuity check - all good, contacts clean. Going to buy a solid state relay now (auto zone). let you know how it goes...

thanks

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So a $21 part from Auto Zone # VR715 - solid state voltage regulator - fixed the problem. Plugged right in, drove it for 30 minutes - no issues.

The standard voltage regulators from NAPA Echlin part # VR142 (tried two different ones) at $71 were causing the problems.

Stellar - Thanks for the advice

Scott