Voltage Regulator?

Hey guys,

Please forgive me for my first post being a troubleshooting question. I will try to post pic's and do an introduction in appropriate thread are this weekend.

Purchased a running, somewhat rebuilt 1967 Jeepster convertible. Noticed the amp dash light flickered on the other day and lasted for 15 minutes or less. 4 hours driving since I purchased it this was the first time it happened. Today it starts and runs fine, no dash light.

Testing the volts however I get up 14.5 - 15.5 volts at the battery while running. Jump to the alternator post and it was 13.8. Test again with lights on and back up to 15, lights off 15.5. I seem to have a moving target but one consistent is a high voltage output.

My suspicion is the volt regulator on the fender, not the alternator. Until I get my manual off ebay.....hoping someone can help. Current regulator is a VR32. Autozone has these but they are not listed as for the Jeepster V6. As a matter of fact they do not list one available.

The Jeepster has had some wiring done, looks like a decent job, by previous owner(s) so I am questioning the VR32 or if there might be another cause I am overlooking?

Sorry for the length and Thanks!

 

Good idea.....will do that right away. I do not have the service manual yet so I am assuming these have separate regulators (from the alt) and this isn't something a previous owner rigged in?

 

OK, cleaned all points of contact including where it bolts on fender well. 15 volts to batt with eng on and 14 volts to batt with eng on and lights on. Get same reading at alternator post.

Going to replace the regulator just hope the VR 32 is the right one. Thanks for the idea and great looking CJ 5!

 

Did not know that. Been a long time since I wrenched on something this old and I was sure 13.5 - 14.3 tops and the 15 could cook the battery. Maybe I better re-consider.

 

as Howard has mentioned, the original factory set-up is Motorola, with a sealed, solid state box type regulator.
This set-up was only rated at 30 or 42 amps max I believe.
When the time comes, upgrade to a Delco unit, do-away with the external regulator, and upgrade the amps to at least 63 or more, it's your choice.

 

I am seeing that now and really appreciate you guys helping a "newbie." If these were Harleys I'd have it down pat! I just tagged onto this thread in the older J5 threads. It almost looks too simple (going to page 2 I think for the O'Reilly/Delco alternator) but if this is all it takes to eliminate the regulator and get more amps......what a deal! Is this what you guys are referring too and do I have the wiring question correct?

http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/show...ng-1966-Dauntless-V6-with-Motorola-Alternator

 

Thanks jp and Howard, after your direction "how-to" was only thing holding me back. Found a link on the conversion..........the old Motorola is out and I will be picking up the Delco si this evening.

Thanks again for your help.

Installed this AM and it works perfect! Old regulator gone and the AMP light still works as tested before turning to start. What a deal.

 

A couple years ago either in this forum or on the cj5 there was a post on how to wire in a fusable link to the new alternator. There were picture and all. Might want to look that up. I think I may have the link at home.

 

It is running great now but no fusible link........not a bad idea at all. If you find the link please post or pm to me. Thanks!

 

I've never seen any vehicle with a fusible link between the alt and the battery and I'm just not seeing any advantage to having one. Main power feeds to accessories etc yes, but to the alt? You want a heavy gauge wire that will stand up to heavy loads while charging. Anyone care to enlighten me?

 

You are correct. As a rule, the output of the alternator is not fused. The fusible link is placed from the battery terminal (+) to a fusible link than on to the power distribution center.