A question I have is along the same type of problem if I may add.. my 72 olds 350 generator light came on, I hear clicking? replay type of noise for about 10 minutes. Noise has stopped but Gen. light is on...??? Does the Regulator makes that noise before it goes? Thanks Jack.

 

The clicking is probably the regulator, but the issue can also be caused by the alternator.

 

Agreed, the points type mechanical voltage regulator will make noises as the points open and close. Can't really say if the regulator or alternator, or both, are failing / have failed.
Your local auto parts store should be able to test the charging system and determine what is wrong.

 

Thought so , Thanks.

 

Need some data:
1. Battery voltage with engine off?
2. Battery voltage with engine running?
3. Battery voltage with engine running at high idle (1500-1800RPM)?
4. Is the alternator belt sufficiently tight?
5. Verify the connections at the alternator and VR are good.
6. Verify the battery cables connections are good clean & tight both ends of both cables.
7. Are the cables in good shape?
8. Is the ground strap from the rear of one of the heads to the firewall there? And is the connection clean & tight?

 

That must be one LOUD voltage regulator to hear it over the engine. If the engine isn't running, then OF COURSE the generator light will be on when you put the ignition key in RUN. But yeah, if you are sure its the VR that is clicking while the engine is running and the GEN light is ON, then you need to provide the info droldsmorland requested because something is WHACKED.

 

External regulator with square plug connection at alternator or internal regulator with rectangular plug?

 

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...gulator-24748/

 

Well, here goes. I'm finding out now when I was cleaning off connections I crossed the connection to the Alternator, ran the car in about 20 min the "noise " started, went away in 5 min, I got home the alternator was very hot....of course. So the External regulator was replaced and alternator. I got the new alt. based on seeing the voltage reg. still hooked up and got the ext. alt. BUT the old one had the horizontal connector..- - If the system was changed over, wouldn't the voltage reg. be jumped to bypass to go to an internal alt.? The battery is at 11.8 now,,,drops to 8. when starting. Not charging. I'll charge up the battery today, probably killed it. Also checking to see if the old one was an ext, or internal. and having it bench tested. Grounds are good. Still working on it.... Thanks for all the input.

 

wire from Voltage was crimped under the distributor cap. New voltage reg. new alternator, newer battery,,12.6 on the meter. Still not charging? My next fix is this wire...Whats your thoughts this being the culprit? Thanks, Jack