Hi All, Simply question from a non electrically minded Y Block fan. Discovered my Voltage Regulator was faulty.It got really hot and a burning smell was evident (Generator appeared to be overcharging??), Disconnected the Battery terminal at the negative post and it sparked appearing to have reasonably high current still their. Opened up the Voltage Reg (after it cooled down) and the heavy gauge copper coil (Batt terminal of Reg) looks to be cooked and strong burning smell was evident! So obviously I suspect a faulty Voltage Reg?



Question I have is once I buy a new Voltage Reg is it as simple as installing/replacing the old one? Do I have to adjust anything internally on the Regulator? (noticed some seem to be riveted shut anyway?) I don't actually have the Regulator yet it arrives from Mac's Auto parts on Monday. Is there anything else I should be concerned about or look at once the new reg is installed?



Need to get the car old sorted by next weekend have a number of cruises I have to attend!



The long term view is to change to Alternator (although really like the original look- Like those PowerGen alternators but they a so expensive here in Australia) my mate the Auto Electrician has gone away so have to wait till the new year when his back from Xmas/New year break!

Brian

Kilsyth Australia

A Pair of 56 Mercury 2Dr H/Top's

It should work out of the box.The only thing you will need to do is "polarize" it.You touch one wire to another terminal.The instructions with the regulator will tell you what to do.

  

Merc, before you go any further, I would suggest that you find out what caused the failure in the first place.  It would seem that you have a serious short circuit some where and the damage to your regulator could also be a clue to more damage in your wiring.  Be sure that all insulation is sound and connections are clean and tight.  Nothing will spoil a weekend outing faster than an electrical fire. Be safe.  A Ford generator can be polarized by disconnecting the "FLD" wire at the regulator and momentarily touch it to the "BAT" terminal.  Replace the "FLD" wire to the "FLD" terminal and you're done.