Voltage regulator?

[skyshark186]

I dont know if my 350ed 40 even has one. Thats why i ask the experts.

Problem. My blinkers, headlights, and all such gadgets are much brighter when i hit the gas. Its like switching from brights to dims. My old trailduster had a voltage regulator that would explode things and light stuff on fire when it burned out. Does my truck have one or is this just some retarded electrical gremlin. Or is my battery just that weak. Thoughts?

 

[s79bj40]

most likely your voltage regulator is built into your alternator, if you get that much difference with change in revolutions, its probably your battery. Try testing the voltage with your multimeter at different revs. Sometimes with re-wound alternators and low output alternators, they just dont produce enough power at idle to charge the battery and run the lights at a steady voltage, so the battery cops it all, till you get it above 1000revs.

A $10 multimeter will reward you with much more in diagnostics than its meagre price would suggest.

Sam

 

[skyshark186]

Who makes a good high output alternator for said motor. Gonna buy a winch soon so ill need it anyway.

 

[s79bj40]

i would think there would be plenty of cheap high output stuff from whoever makes 350s, gm isn't it? I would be sure that there is also a bosch equivalent if they aren't the oem supplier allready.

it could also be that your alternator is high output, and its just your battery. There are not many alternators which have the ability to keep charging voltage at idle revs, so you might just want to start with a good battery and some voltage tests first.

sam

 

[skyshark186]

Bosch makes one thats 63 amp. Im guessing mine is 42, or was when it worked. Im sure it still puts out some because my truck always cranks.

New batteries are in the near future. Just thought i would see if it might be a more dire problem first. Thanks.

 

[s79bj40]

there are some good alternator tech facts around these pages somewhere that explain the different stages of alternators. If you still have problems after doing some tests, it could be that one of the alternators phases has died, which would reduce the output significantly.

 

[desertdude]

http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/howitworks.shtml

 

[Yoda]

I got a 100 amp alt from an 89 Suburban at the wrecking yard. I also grabbed the main charge wire so I knew it would handle the higher current. Don't forget to cut the small plug from rhe harnes so you have that too. Think I paid 30 bux for it.