I have got it rebuilt and put a new voltage regulator on, but everytime I disconnect the battery the car turns off. I was told if it work it would keep it going. The light inside inside the dash is now off and was on before so how can I tell if it's working. I poralized the regulator and when I did the back start to smoke a little and turn real hot red and I let it sit for awhile on then turn it off. Started it right back up and then the light on dash turned off so can someone help me here. Is it good or is something wrong.

 

Have you measured the output voltage with a volt meter?

- Eric

 

no but I should shouldn't I? What should it read? It's a 12volt gen

 

You should have about 13.5V at the battery terminals, it may drop at idle.
With all accessories on (fan on High, wipers on High, highbeams on, radio on), it should stay steady at about 13.5V down to about 1,200 RPM (or check your Service Manual for the exact recommended testing procedure).

- Eric

 

There is a resister on the back of the VR that will heat up and will smoke a bit the first time in use, its normal. Also new brushes need to seat and the generator will start working normally after a short while. As Eric suggested check the voltage at the battery with the car running. I think the voltage should be a little over 14v when charging.

 

If it is still there, when these cars were new they had a fuse connected at the voltage regulator. It screwed onto the voltage regulator and the wire screwed onto it. If that is bad you will not generate power. Also, if it is not there you need one there. I don't have time now but I will try to get you more details of this fuse later.

 

Here is what to look for. It is called a Delco Regulator Fuse, the part number will determine the amperage. They came in a variety of amperages to match the output of the generator. Not all GM lines used them. Usually you can find them on eBay.

 

Battery is right side on new one while bat on old one was on left side so maybe the other two were wrong. Someone help Ive got a fuse for it as well now

okay so I checked it out and it's reading 12 on so I know it isn't charging. Maybe I wired the voltage regulator wrong can someone help me out and identify if I did, here's 2 pictures one of the new and one of the old.

 

Did you polarize it properly? Ford does it different then gm.

 

That does not look like the correct reg. Do you have a part number for this reg that is backwards. If it is a replacement for the original it looks like the arm and fields leads are reversed. I think you should get another reg configured the same as yours (BAF) made for your car.

 

youngolds I did its arm/bat with gm &a yes I bought it from autozone only one they had with 3 instead of 4. That's why I'm wondering if maybe it is backwards

 

Put the old one back on. I don't think the one you have is right. Or try another parts store.

 

I did and it went from 11.85 back to 12.4 but won't go above that. On the fuse do I need to change the white piece with this metal looking one??

 

So I put back the old regulator with a new fuse, fuse was bad and also the regulator I fried since it was a 6v 😂

i ran this today with old ref and new fuse but when it idles I get about 12.9-13 but when on gas it runs 13.5+ so is it good? Feel like 12.9 it sounds like it wants to die but doesn't maybe that's how it is? Any suggestions??

 

Looks normal for a generator system to me.

I'd consider it fixed.

- Eric

 

Looks like it is ok. It is possible that the battery is still a bit low on charge. Recharge battery and test again. If it is still only charging at 13.5 max with out an electrical load and at higher than idle rpm , you may want to have a generator shop make an adjustment on the reg. You may be fine as is.

 

see that's the thing with lights on and everything it's running down to 12.6 like I don't get it, I turn off lights goes back up to 12.8+. But pressing gas it goes up as charging. It idles like it wants to die and then dies at the 12.5 mark

 

So you are saying that at idle, with a full electrical load, the generator puts out 12.6V, but increases to 13.6V when the RPMs are brought up?

That's normal for a generator. They don't make much power at idle.
That, and much greater weight and manufacturing expense, is why they switched to alternators.


So you are saying that your engine doesn't idle well?

That's a separate issue.

Have you cleaned, rebuilt, and adjusted your carburetor?
Have you checked your points and condenser?
Have you set your dwell angle and timing properly?
Have you checked your rotor, cap, wires, and plugs?
How does it run otherwise?

- Eric