Adjusting Voltage regulator Options

[GeorgeRud]

When I took my 914-6 out for a spin yesterday, I noticed that the voltmeter was only reading 12 volts instead of the usual 14 volts. The generator light was lit upon initial startup, but went out as soon as the alternator energized and then stayed off throughout the drive.

I am surrently using an aftermarket transistorized voltage regulator, but kept my original Bosch can regulator. Does anyone have information on how to check the voltage regulator function. I've used some very fine sandpaper to clean the points, but don't know if anyone has the info on adjusting the opening and closing voltages.

[stugray]

There is a procedure posted by another member on here where you remove the VR and short two pins together on the VR connector, then start the car and check the voltage at the battery,
This shows if your alternator is capable of putting out more voltage than is required (it will go to ~16 Volts).

If that step shows the alternator is OK, then it points towards the VR as having a problem (or something else).

If those steps dont get posted I will dig through my notes for them.

I dont know of any way to adjust the voltage in the old regulators.
It likely would be the compression value of the springs.
In the solid state versions it would be as simple as adjusting a resistor value, but those are likely potted and effectively tamper proof.