W30post

I bought a new Delco regulator about 4 years ago and haven't looked back. It is the 2 coil type. The only issue I have is if I try to have a short stop on a trip. The engine compartment heats up and then the field will not contact and set up charging. It stays that way until I stop, cool off and then restart.

I know the Wells VR715 is the best bet but does anyone know why this happens? Is there a little adjustment I'm missing that could help keep this hot start from not charging my battery?

W30post

So I got some information that the field pull-in relay contacts should be 0.030in gap. I took mine apart and hte gap was 0.060 in or a little greater. I made the change to what the "spec" was as conveyed and have not had time to go for a drive. Will probably go this weekend to see if it has made a difference.

Allan R

Interesting. Hope that solves your problem. Sounds like you have somewhere around a 70-72 W30? There is a great write up and pictorial in the CSM (1972) on page 12-50 and 12-51.

ah64pilot

What's a regulator? lol! A one wire alternator and regulator delete or dummy is the first thing I do to one of these cars. Simplifies life.

matt69olds

Or save your money and get a late model high output alternator from you local Pull-A-Part. Its a simple swap, much more reliable and better charging system performance than the 40 plus year system.

W30post

72 year model. I have the assembly manual but not the service manual. Will be looking for that soon.

Was 0.030in the correct number then?

jfb

Buddy this is a plastic and diode part the heat can easily affect it weather etc or maybe your belt might slip sometimes.

Allan R

Here's Section12 of the CSM that has that info. The setting is based on recorded voltages @ temp. I didn't see anything about relay field strength. It's a set screw you adjust on the external regulator.

With .030 are you thinking maybe of the points adjustment?