The Ford Barn

oldredford · 03-30-2025, 03:36 PM

When converting to an alternator what do you do with the voltage regulator?

Jack E/NJ · 03-30-2025, 03:54 PM

I put mine on a shelf in the garage along with the old generator.

mcgarrett · 03-30-2025, 09:56 PM

Using a 1 wire GM type alternator the voltage regulator isn't needed. You can leave it where it its as a placeholder or as stated above remove it altogether.

big job · 03-31-2025, 06:43 AM

Leave it and connect the alt. one wire to batt terminal on the regulator so current will flow throught the ampmeter as the generator would.....

Drbrown · 03-31-2025, 10:09 AM

Purchasing an Alternator: The diodes used in Alternators to control voltage can be unreliable. Rebuilds typically come from China. I bought two in a row that had bad diodes which allowed higher than allowed voltage. Best to have your local electrical shop check a new or used one. They can last a long time. Might be a reasonable idea to buy an older one thru a salvage place and test it.

1956 ford · 03-31-2025, 01:44 PM

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bobH · 03-31-2025, 05:51 PM

Replacement diodes might not be good. I can't speak to that. However, I point out that diodes in alternators DO NOT control voltage.

Jack E/NJ · 03-31-2025, 06:56 PM

According to google's auto intelligence guy---

"In alternator voltage regulation, a Zener diode acts as a voltage reference, providing a stable voltage to control the output of the alternator, typically by triggering a transistor to regulate the field current"

03-30-2025, 03:36 PM	#1
oldredford Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Moncks Corner, SC Posts: 450	alternator When converting to an alternator what do you do with the voltage regulator?

03-30-2025, 03:54 PM	#2
Jack E/NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,259	Re: alternator I put mine on a shelf in the garage along with the old generator.

03-30-2025, 09:56 PM	#3
mcgarrett Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Corsicana, Texas Posts: 1,306	Re: alternator Using a 1 wire GM type alternator the voltage regulator isn't needed. You can leave it where it its as a placeholder or as stated above remove it altogether.

03-31-2025, 06:43 AM	#4
big job Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Dighton, Mass Posts: 1,244	Re: alternator Leave it and connect the alt. one wire to batt terminal on the regulator so current will flow throught the ampmeter as the generator would.....

03-31-2025, 10:09 AM	#5
Drbrown Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Glens Falls NY Posts: 1,355	Re: alternator Purchasing an Alternator: The diodes used in Alternators to control voltage can be unreliable. Rebuilds typically come from China. I bought two in a row that had bad diodes which allowed higher than allowed voltage. Best to have your local electrical shop check a new or used one. They can last a long time. Might be a reasonable idea to buy an older one thru a salvage place and test it.

03-31-2025, 01:44 PM	#6
1956 ford Member Join Date: Dec 2023 Posts: 55	Re: alternator Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Why would you not buy USA?

03-31-2025, 05:51 PM	#7
bobH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: so cal, placerville, vegas Posts: 1,414	Re: alternator Replacement diodes might not be good. I can't speak to that. However, I point out that diodes in alternators DO NOT control voltage.

03-31-2025, 06:56 PM	#8
Jack E/NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,259	Re: alternator According to google's auto intelligence guy--- "In alternator voltage regulation, a Zener diode acts as a voltage reference, providing a stable voltage to control the output of the alternator, typically by triggering a transistor to regulate the field current"