Generator / regulator isuue
08-04-2017, 10:26 PM
#1
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Generator / regulator isuue
My car is a 1960 356 super, 6 volt.
I know this subject has probably been beaten to death but I couldn’t find a definitive answer in a past post. I am not very experienced with the 356 charging system so bear with me.
I had a VW regulator in my car and it seemed to work perfectly with the exception that the warning light would come on and not shut off unless the RPMS were very high, it would then turn on again when it dropped to idle. I read that this is a common problem with the VW regulator. The Battery would stay at a fairly consistent 6.3 volts.
So I decided to replace the VW regulator with one of those new reproduction Bosch units to fix the warning light problem. After installing the new regulator I started the car and the generator light will not shut off at any RPM. So I ran the usual tests.
I lifted the generator light wire and the light went out.
Ran a load test @ 2000 RPM, the reading was approx 9 volts
No load test @ 2000 RPM, The reading jumped between approx 1.8 and 6.3 randomly
Disconected the DF wire and ran a test light between B plus and DF, it lit up.
Brushes are fairly new, About 1000 miles old.
Am I looking at a Bad generator, Bad regulator or Non calibrated regulator?
Thank you guys for the help, It is very appreciated!
I know this subject has probably been beaten to death but I couldn’t find a definitive answer in a past post. I am not very experienced with the 356 charging system so bear with me.
I had a VW regulator in my car and it seemed to work perfectly with the exception that the warning light would come on and not shut off unless the RPMS were very high, it would then turn on again when it dropped to idle. I read that this is a common problem with the VW regulator. The Battery would stay at a fairly consistent 6.3 volts.
So I decided to replace the VW regulator with one of those new reproduction Bosch units to fix the warning light problem. After installing the new regulator I started the car and the generator light will not shut off at any RPM. So I ran the usual tests.
I lifted the generator light wire and the light went out.
Ran a load test @ 2000 RPM, the reading was approx 9 volts
No load test @ 2000 RPM, The reading jumped between approx 1.8 and 6.3 randomly
Disconected the DF wire and ran a test light between B plus and DF, it lit up.
Brushes are fairly new, About 1000 miles old.
Am I looking at a Bad generator, Bad regulator or Non calibrated regulator?
Thank you guys for the help, It is very appreciated!
08-06-2017, 03:48 PM
#2
Instructor
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Augusta,Mi
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
bulb lit
First check to see if the Regulator B+ wire at the starter is on the same pole of the starter as the large hot wire from the battery. If it is I would recommend you get Joe Leoni's 356 Electrics book for your Model. If like me you are not very good at electrics send both to a good 356 electrics Vendor Like abcpartswerks in Wisconsin,have them go through both then reinstall.
09-05-2017, 03:04 AM
#4
Miserable Old Bastard
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
First, 356registry.com is the place to go for advice.
Second, the best and most useful book I ever got for my 356 (given my low level of wrenching knowledge) is Joe Leoni's electrical book, sold now by Block's Books, see 356 Registry vendor list.
Second, the best and most useful book I ever got for my 356 (given my low level of wrenching knowledge) is Joe Leoni's electrical book, sold now by Block's Books, see 356 Registry vendor list.
