Voltage Regulator??

-

coalman

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2015
Messages
1,223
Reaction score
135
Location
Texas
Voltage never goes below 14 volts with engine running, Voltage Regulator? If so should I get a solid state or the mechanical one?? Thanks
 
That's what fixed it when my car was doing that. Under the assumption that your car is reaching like 15 16 17 volts. I just used the stock electronic style mopar performance one from jegs. It does it's job.
P4529794
 
Last edited:
is it only that it will not drop below 14 volts or does it rise up to 15,16 or even 17 volts ?? most modern batteries will need somewhat between 13,8 and 14,4 volts to get proper load and stay healthy.

14 volts should be absolutly okay for the electrical system...but if it climps up higher in voltage it cld. get dangerous.

i´m running this blue VR (Mopar Performance P3690732: Voltage Regulator Pre-1970 V8 | JEGS) which has a constant output of 14,2 volts - the discribtions says 13,5 volts but its 14,2 in real life. if you run a electronic ignition i would always go for a electronic VR. The ICU dont like a fluctuation in voltage.
 
I guess what I am reading is that 14 volts are fine. I always thought that it should drop back to 12 volts when the battery is fully charged, is this not correct?? Thanks
 
That's for when the engine is not running, you should be seeing like 12.6 volts. From memory my car runs around 13.5.
 
If you do get that Blue one
P3690732
be advised you will need to grind off the blue coating to get it to properly ground to the firewall.
 
As I read the above, the 14 volts is fine, it never goes above that and it is solid state, so I will just leave it. Thanks for all the advice...
 
As I read the above, the 14 volts is fine, it never goes above that and it is solid state, so I will just leave it. Thanks for all the advice...
Yes, that is fine/desirable as long as it stays there, most modern autos hit 14.5V routinely. Your battery should have 12.75V in it after sitting overnight..........if the voltage
running ever goes under 12.9V, the alternator is not keeping up........a common curse idling in gear w/everything turned on at night..............
 
Battery technology has changed a lot over the years too. Put a OEM type battery in there and throw a continuous 14+ volts at it. The top of it would stay damp as it boiled water from the multiple caps, rotted away battery tray and underside of the hood.
Todays batteries that stand at nearly 13 volts and store 6 to 900 cold cranking amps have no problem with 13.8 to 14.2 charging systems. Look at it periodically though. If it gets damp on top or a sidewall swells, something is wrong, most likely the battery itself. A bad battery can cause constant overcharging. In that case the alternator and regulator are doing what they should with the signal they are sensing.
 
You can buy a cigarette-lighter voltmeter, which I use in my newer vehicles on trips so no surprises. The Harbor Freight one has LED lights, that show 14 - 14.5 V as "normal" when driving, as I recall, and a digital Equuis one I have suggested similar, I recall, so must be the setpoint of most Vreg's. I can't comment on Redfish statement that batteries have changed, other than I thought lead-acid battery technology hasn't changed in 100 yrs, other than making them cheaper and less reliable today w/ thinner lead plates that sulfate easier, plus prices seemed to have gone up much faster than inflation. Regardless, if you do apply too much voltage you will start dissociating the water into H2 & O2, i.e. "hydrolosysis", but probably requires >15 V.
 
As others have said its fine.
While running, the system should be near 14 volts, even with a points regulator.
per 1968 Plymouth Service, page 8-96.
Air Temperature 47 degrees F. Voltage minimum setting 13.7, maximum 14.6
Air Temperature 93 degrees F. Voltage minimum setting 13.4, maximum 14.4
Air Temperature 140 degrees F, Voltage minimum setting 13.2, maximum 14.2
 
-
Back
Top