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Posted by: d7n7master Aug 25 2004, 08:42 AM

This a.m. I noticed my volt meter was PEGGED. When I came to a stop, at an idle, it went down to about 14 volts. When I accelerated - it PEGGED again!!!
I thinkin' voltage regulator - YOU???
Thanks, Gary

Posted by: ArtechnikA Aug 25 2004, 08:46 AM

put a meter DIRECTLY on the battery posts and measure.
sounds like a bad VR to me but i have no confidence in the console meter...
don't run it long like that, too-high charging voltage will kill a battery in a hurry

Posted by: ! Aug 25 2004, 10:07 AM

Yep...those old VDOs are very trustworthy....

Posted by: SirAndy Aug 25 2004, 11:39 AM

Posted by: SGB Aug 25 2004, 12:21 PM

When mine did that, initially I replaced the VR, but that didn't do it. I had to replace the alternator. Really surprised me....

Posted by: fiid Aug 25 2004, 01:26 PM

Hijack....

DO more modern cars have the regulator built into the alternator? The subaru alternator seems to be piped (and I mean piped - 100amp fuse) directly to the battery!

Fiid.

Posted by: ArtechnikA Aug 25 2004, 01:41 PM

Posted by: KitCarlson Aug 25 2004, 04:00 PM

The points in your mechanical voltage regulator are stuck. Very bad! Get a replacement solidstate regulator (I got mine at NAPA). Your regulation will be better and your battery will last longer. Your regulator is on the relay board in the engine compartment.

I know from experience with the same problem. I quick rap on the regulator broke the points loose and gave me the time to get the replacement.

Kit

Posted by: d7n7master Aug 26 2004, 09:51 AM

Done deal
Replaced the voltage regulator, alternator, belt, battery and ground cable.
All's well - Thanks, I'm happy that fixed it.
I had a car many years ago that fried the wiring harness when I shut off the engine. Damn vr stuck in the "closed" position. That was not a fun fix.
Gary