Newbie, 6/75 FJ40. Ammeter pegs + at rev-up. Engine ground strap, battery terminal wires replaced last 6 mos. Sulfated (rotten eggs) two batteries in 6 months. Electrical system is 'ammeter type', only runs F, G, IG from Alt to VR. Today I replaced Alt and external VR with replacement from SOR. perfect fit. within 15 secs of connecting VR it began smoking (engine shut off, just old/sulfated battery connected). quickly unplugged VR. Will put multimeter on it tomorrow. What reading should i get on the F/E/Ig wires at the input plug at the VR? Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks!
Overcharged Batt, Smoking Voltage Regulator
- Thread starter segdev
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Lets give the new VR a chance at life and get a good battery in there fully charged.
Smoke...........
In old cruisers with questionable wiring issues, It's a good idea to carry along a fire extinguisher, heavy set of wire cutters and a flask of whiskey...........
In old cruisers with questionable wiring issues, It's a good idea to carry along a fire extinguisher, heavy set of wire cutters and a flask of whiskey...........
I put quick disconnects on my battery posts because bolt cutters scare me.
I'm using the wrong VR with a Toyota alternator. Charges around 16-17V, which is high. But I've been driving it that way for several years now waiting for something to give so I can justify a better charging system.
You need to put a voltmeter, on the system and check your V's.
Otherwise, and just throwing this out, if you've been having starter problems there may be a relation as the starter can draw lots of amps and ruin batteries. But that's a longshot and I probably shouldn't distract you from a more probable solution.
If the straps have all been recently replaced, check to make sure that they are all still tight and making good connections. If there's a lot of surface rust where the battery straps and grounds bolt on that could cause a lot of resistance.
I'm using the wrong VR with a Toyota alternator. Charges around 16-17V, which is high. But I've been driving it that way for several years now waiting for something to give so I can justify a better charging system.
You need to put a voltmeter, on the system and check your V's.
Otherwise, and just throwing this out, if you've been having starter problems there may be a relation as the starter can draw lots of amps and ruin batteries. But that's a longshot and I probably shouldn't distract you from a more probable solution.
If the straps have all been recently replaced, check to make sure that they are all still tight and making good connections. If there's a lot of surface rust where the battery straps and grounds bolt on that could cause a lot of resistance.
bsevans
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Coolerman
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With the regulator plug unplugged and key ON you should get this:
F = 0 volts This is an OUTPUT FROM the regulator to the alternator and controls the field current. It is a WG wire.
E = 0 volts This is a ground wire. It is a WB wire.
Ig = +12V This is a switched +12V from the fuse block TO the regulator. It is a WR wire. Note: this is also called the sense wire.
When you say it smokes after 15 seconds. Lots of smoke? A wisp? Is this with just the key on or is the truck running?
Does the alternator have a good ground? Sometimes the WB wire between the regulator and the alternator will smoke if the alternator is not grounded well. Remove all paint between the alternator and the mounting bracket AND between the mounting bracket and the engine. Also make sure the regulator is grounded well to the firewall, remove any paint/rust.
