pulsating headlights at idle / 66 valiant
This certainly CAN be the regulator but it also can be other causes.
If you still have the old electro--mechanicaly relay regulator, buy an new one, and most replacements are actually "solid state." To easily tell the difference......look at the bottom
The old style regulator has two big wirewound resistors underneath
The modern replacement has none
I am NOT referring to the 70/ later electronic regulator which MUST use an isolated field (incorrectly called "dual field") alternator
IF you replace the alternator for any reason DO ask for and buy the later so called "squareback' mid-70's isolated field alternator. Even if you don't convert to the 70/ later regulator, you can ground either field terminal and use your replacement regulator. The squareback design gives better low speed output. Do NOT accept the old style.
This link is the old style mechanical regulator with two resistors:
http://vintagemoparts.com/img/p/440-1620-thickbox.jpg
The link below is a solid state replacement for the above, most likely what you'll get
http://i10.ebayimg.com/02/i/001/2a/fe/80f4_35.JPG
This link is a more expensive replacement regulator
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41-aG0961CL._SL500_SS500_.jpg
Left below is the better "squareback" design
This certainly CAN be the regulator but it also can be other causes.
If you still have the old electro--mechanicaly relay regulator, buy an new one, and most replacements are actually "solid state." To easily tell the difference......look at the bottom
The old style regulator has two big wirewound resistors underneath
The modern replacement has none
I am NOT referring to the 70/ later electronic regulator which MUST use an isolated field (incorrectly called "dual field") alternator
IF you replace the alternator for any reason DO ask for and buy the later so called "squareback' mid-70's isolated field alternator. Even if you don't convert to the 70/ later regulator, you can ground either field terminal and use your replacement regulator. The squareback design gives better low speed output. Do NOT accept the old style.
This link is the old style mechanical regulator with two resistors:
http://vintagemoparts.com/img/p/440-1620-thickbox.jpg
The link below is a solid state replacement for the above, most likely what you'll get
http://i10.ebayimg.com/02/i/001/2a/fe/80f4_35.JPG
This link is a more expensive replacement regulator
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41-aG0961CL._SL500_SS500_.jpg
Left below is the better "squareback" design
