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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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?

 

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

 

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?