72 convertible cutlass w/ 68 455 - Yesterday at the end of a medium cruise (some sitting and idling in traffic followed by back roads starting and stopping and ending with a 70mph ride back) for a total of about an hour with a break in the middle - I pull into my driveway and smell "rotten eggs" again I'm new to a lot of this and a friend over the phone tells me to check my battery - I do and it is gurgling and a small buldge on one side - very small fluid line on that side and at first a small puff of smoke - I unhooked it and let it sit and cool off - much later I removed it from the car and am letting it sit ... a little back story info - I had previously had an exhaust manifold leak on driverside complicated with wiring the starter too close to the block I melted those wires - I fixed the manifold leak redid the wires with thermal wrap and routed them better - that problem totally fixed - I learned to use a multimeter in the process - 12.5v system all intact - EXCEPT when running it was like 18 to 18.5 - my new self didn't know that was an issue - after a short read here I'm guessing my voltage regulator died? I've read it's suppose to be 13.5 to 15 regulated? Should I just swap out regulators and test it? (Very interested in the internal regulator conversion just a little nervous to do it) I have to have the car down to the shop late next week - finally getting the top done - any advice - thanks as always! ~ Joe
(note - gen light has always worked in the car when key on and when car stalls etc - light not on for this issue though - not sure if that helps at all - thanks)

 

If you want to keep it stock, take your alternator and VR to an auto parts store and get them checked. I will bet the VR is not working correctly. Another option would be to go to a Wells pn VR715 solid state VR and tranfer your old VR cover to it and it will look 100% original. They are very reliable units and can be bought at Auto Zone under that pn.

Next option is to go to an internally regulated alternator and do away with your old mechanical VR. This would require installing 2 jumper wires at the VR connector and replacing the connector at the alternator. Very easy swap that can be done in an afternoon.

Either way you need a new battery.

 

Thanks! I think I am going to go with the internal regulator - but I will check the old alt and vr to make sure that was the issue and not wiring or something.

 

I would scrap that battery and put in a new one before doing any testing or part changes.

 

Already purchased new battery and returned smoked battery for core - thanks stellar

 

Replaced the external voltage regulator and battery - charging at 14.04 volts - thanks as always for the help! I did get the internal regulator conversion kit and will put it in when I replace the alternator down the road - just wanted to follow up - thank you!

 

Nice work.

 

Glad all went well.