My battery finally quit on me last week, I wanted to start the car so I went to charge it after that. All of a sudden my voltage regulator starts buzzing when I was charging it. Keep in mind this is a brand new regulator I had recently got (along with rebuilt gen). Turns out it killed the regulator (and in turn, my generator). Any ideas what would cause this to happen?

 

I'm thinking it may have been the other way around...the voltage regulator and/or the generator (alternator?) had a problem first and caused the dead battery.

Was the polarity reversed at any time even for a split-second?

What are you working on?

 

1961 88. It wasn't reversed at all that I know of. But I don't entirely remember.

 

If it is convenient, pull the generator and have it bench tested. Same for the battery.
If the generator and battery are good replace the regulator.

Good luck!!!

 

Always disconnect the battery before connecting it to a charger.