voltage regulator

[normanpitkin]

hi,Im in London ,England and need to buy a new voltage regulator ,my electrical guru tells me mine is FUBAR ,any recommendations out there? thanks ,car is a 1948 Chrysler New Yorker.

[chris 48 P15]

rockauto may have it also there are sellers on ebay and also there are  restoration parts specialists google the part it will come up

[Sniper]

Being that the OP is in England, maybe someone local to him can suggest a more local source, to avoid shipping and import duties.

 

 

[Kilgore47]

I fixed the voltage regulator and generator problem on the 47 P15 with a 6 volt positive ground alternator.  Not original but it cost less and works better.  

[Sam Buchanan]

2 hours ago, Kilgore47 said:

I fixed the voltage regulator and generator problem on the 47 P15 with a 6 volt positive ground alternator.  Not original but it cost less and works better.  

Yep, that is the ultimate solution for irritating reg and Gen problems. 

[normanpitkin]

This car is a 19000 mile original and i'm committed to keeping it original as possible.

[slatgrille]

Aren't those original regulators adjustable? Problem is.....does anyone know how to do that anymore. Maybe just a bit of cleaning of the point contacts inside could help...

Just an idea to help keep it original and save time/money if possible.

[normanpitkin]

My electrical guru ,who is in his 80s has fettled it for all he's worth and has pronounced it knackered!

[Sniper]

You know, they have a fusible link inside them as well.

26 minutes ago, slatgrille said:

Aren't those original regulators adjustable? Problem is.....does anyone know how to do that anymore. Maybe just a bit of cleaning of the point contacts inside could help...

Just an idea to help keep it original and save time/money if possible.

 

Here's how to do it

 

 

[Dodgeb4ya]

Remember 1946-48 all three terminals are on one side unlike 1949 and later.

The modern day chinese replacements are not at all reliable.

I would take the part # off your

( VRP4503A is the most common  factory Autolite # used) regulator and search online fir a NOS in the box if you really do need a regulator.

With only 19,000 original miles I doubt it's a major problem.

I have at times grounded out the field terminal for two or three seconds to see if the amp needle will show full swing to the right (charging) while quickly revving up the engine a bit.

This proves the generator is capable of max output and at times will get a non working regulator to work.

Polarizing the generator ....using a jumper wire quickly touched "BAT to ARM" terminals on the regulator with the engine off.

Another way I have got dead regulators working..

Pull the regulator cover..start the engine and make sure the lower cut out relay contacts close with engine revved up a bit.

If they don't lightly push them closed with engine above idle...they should stay closed....generator should be charging....if still not lightly touch the other two contact set...might work.

Otherwise trying to gently clean up the contacts in the regulator should be done...I would not try to te-adjust the points unless absolutely necessary on a factory installed "Autolite" regulator.

Follow "Mr Tech" in the filmstrip if you do adjust!

Nothing like factory settings and quality parts.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 22, 2022 by Dodgeb4ya

[normanpitkin]

hi, yes just had the generator  rebuilt and the ammeter also ,the regulator output is varying wildly whilst at constant revs or even at ticker ,seems like its the culprit to my electrician ,just bought a NOS one and will report when i get it.