Voltage regulator

[dmopar74]

My 73 225 duster the voltage regulator goes up to 15-15.3 volts at around 1500 rpm and above. Is this too high? Everything looks to be ok and well grounded, it's an echlin vr38, non adjustable. What's a good adjustable unit if I need one?

 

[MadScientistMat]

The regulator may target that at very, very cold temperatures, but it should drop when warmed up. Check to be sure the voltage regulator has a good ground and minimal voltage drop - you can check that by putting a volt meter positive terminal on the battery positive terminal and sticking the volt meter negative probe into the back of the connector on the regulator.

As for adjustable regulators, I'm a bit biased...

 

[Mattax]

My 73 225 duster the voltage regulator goes up to 15-15.3 volts at around 1500 rpm and above. Is this too high? Everything looks to be ok and well grounded, it's an echlin vr38, non adjustable. What's a good adjustable unit if I need one?

It is a little high.
Most likely resistance in the system wiring.
Measuring the voltage at key locations under the same conditions will narrow down where to look for the resistance.

If its at 15.3 V only while the battery is charging, that's a clue too.
If it goes back to 15.3 with the battery charged but when you turn the lights on, that's a clue too.

The locations to measure voltage will be battery positive terminal, alternator output terminal, and then some or all of the following:
backprobe the 'ignition run' terminal at the bulkhead connector, the engine connector, ballast resistor, alternator field terminal.

Why? If the voltage regulator sense terminal is seeing low voltage, it will drive the alternator to produce at higher voltage. The closest we can get to measuring the voltage at the regulator's sense terminal is to measure at other locations in the ignition run circuit (coded J2 on the diagrams).

Ignition circuit at bulkhead

 

[4spdragtop]

Our cuda was up to 16-17 V, not all Voltage drops are easily tracked down(in my case). So i reached out to @MadScientistMat and purchased one of his Voltage regs. Problem solved! Ive since put approx 500 miles with zero issues. Highly recommended.
Thanks again Matt

My 73 225 duster the voltage regulator goes up to 15-15.3 volts at around 1500 rpm and above. Is this too high? Everything looks to be ok and well grounded, it's an echlin vr38, non adjustable. What's a good adjustable unit if I need one?

The regulator may target that at very, very cold temperatures, but it should drop when warmed up. Check to be sure the voltage regulator has a good ground and minimal voltage drop - you can check that by putting a volt meter positive terminal on the battery positive terminal and sticking the volt meter negative probe into the back of the connector on the regulator.

As for adjustable regulators, I'm a bit biased...

 

[Charrlie_S]

I have had excellant results with these. New Voltage Regulator For Dodge D200 L6 3.7L 75-80 CH-543 CH-544 CH-545 C-603 | eBay This link is just an example.
There are many vendors, and brands, but I reccommend the Transpo brand.

 

[Mattax]

Find the cause. Likely the regulator is doing what its supposed to.
If there is resistance in the circuit, its not going to get better on its own and will cause other problems.

 

[Charrlie_S]

This is just a FYI, and donesn't apply to the OP's problem, but.
Many people do not want to upgrade their early charging system to the newer 2 wire field alternator /regulator.
This regulator is a direct replacement of the old single field wire charging system, and is adjustable. Fits cars and trucks. It is a copy of the old Mopar Performance regulator, except this one is adjustable.

NEW ADJUSTABLE VOLTAGE REGULATOR FOR CHRYSLER MARINE ENGINE PRESTOLITE | eBay

• Prestolite ANE Series Alternators. Prestolite 8-356, 8-405, VSH-6201J, VSH6201JY. CHRYSLER MARINE ENGINES. Chrysler Marine Engine (1970-1988). 51-76, ALB5202, ALB5202S.

www.ebay.com

 

[memike]

Prescribed, mine sets at 13.10... I am running a stock wiring system on my 66..

 

[Mattax]

Prescribed, mine sets at 13.10... I am running a stock wiring system on my 66..

Could be the same but could be the opposite. Depends where you are measuring and under what conditions.
A 66 has few connectors and branches.

 

[67Dart273]

Prescribed, mine sets at 13.10... I am running a stock wiring system on my 66..

That is quite low. IF you measured it warm and under stable conditions, it is likely that the VR is off

 

[memike]

Could be the same but could be the opposite. Depends where you are measuring and under what conditions.
A 66 has few connectors and branches.

Thank you, going to get better measurements.

That is quite low. IF you measured it warm and under stable conditions, it is likely that the VR is off

Thank you, I will look into that and get back to everyone here..