voltage regulator

Ellis Kinney · Apr 21, 2012

I recently posted about the voltage regulator on my Super MTA. Took the cover off and pushed in the contacts and it started charging. It has gone bad again. It will start charging if I bump it with my foot (steering column post mounted), charge a little bit and quit again. Should I bite the bullet and purchase a new one or is there some simple quick fix? Thanks, Ellis

Janicholson · Apr 21, 2012

If the contacts are dirty, they will loose connection and the gan will stop producing output.
If it were mine I would burnish those contacts with 400 grit paper, then clean them with contact spray (or alcohol on a Qtip). I would then just a very tiny amount decrease the spring tension that pulls them apart. When the tractor is off, and the contacts are pushed together, they should spark a little, then when released they should open and stay open. If the cover is put on the VR, the magnetic conditions can change, make sure the contacts open with the cover on. THis can be checked by having someone start the tractor, get it charging, then shut off the engine while watching the amp gauge. It should go back to zero just after the engine stops. If not, the gen will be subject to burning up and discharging the battery. This is the cutout relay job of the VR. Be very careful not to decrease the tension too much. The adjustment is usually a metal tab or a screw on a metal tab that anchors the spring.
If it gets no better, get a new one. Jim

Ellis Kinney · Apr 21, 2012

Jim; as usual, thanks for the good advice. Ellis

teddy52food · Apr 21, 2012

Rather than decrease the spring tention, set the points a little closer together. (IF you can)

Janicholson · Apr 21, 2012

You are welcome. Teddy's comment applies as well, the pull in (latching effort) comes from the gen voltage being higher than bat voltage. Decreasing the point gap increases the closeness of the iron in the contact arm to the core of the relay. This is a magnetic situation, and a little is a lot. (remember how two magnets pull much harder just a little closer!!snap together)
I would not put them closer than .025" Jim

Owen Aaland · Apr 22, 2012

If your regulator is still the original Delco Remy you are better off trying to repair it rather than replace it with an aftermarket one. The odds of getting an aftermarket unit that lasts anywhere near as long as the original are pretty slim.

voltage regulator

Ellis Kinney

Well-known Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

Ellis Kinney

Well-known Member

teddy52food

Well-known Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

Owen Aaland

Well-known Member

Similar threads