The Ford Barn

Admiral · 08-29-2022, 10:24 AM

I need to learn about voltage regulators. I understand the basics of how they function, but after reading service manuals and watching several YouTube videos I still don’t fully grasp the subject. Hopefully someone can spell things out in plain English.

What are common problems to look out for?
How do you test a voltage regulator to see if it’s working properly?
How do you adjust a voltage regulator so it sends the correct amount of juice to the battery?
Is there any maintenance you need to do?
What are A and B circuits?

This subject is top of mind because yesterday, my car stopped charging. I discovered the issue at the Hines Drive Cruise where I needed a jump to restart the engine. Once it was running, the electrical system (12-volt, negative ground) was not charging. Fortunately, I made it the 50 miles home on just the battery, but now I need to diagnose the charging system. Given that the generator was professionally rebuilt, I suspect the issue is in the regulator. Rather than just throwing a new regulator in and calling it a day, I'd like to actually figure out how these things work. Please learn me somethin’.

08-29-2022, 10:24 AM	#1
Admiral Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Oakland County, Michigan Posts: 562	Teach Me Voltage Regulators I need to learn about voltage regulators. I understand the basics of how they function, but after reading service manuals and watching several YouTube videos I still don’t fully grasp the subject. Hopefully someone can spell things out in plain English. What are common problems to look out for? How do you test a voltage regulator to see if it’s working properly? How do you adjust a voltage regulator so it sends the correct amount of juice to the battery? Is there any maintenance you need to do? What are A and B circuits? This subject is top of mind because yesterday, my car stopped charging. I discovered the issue at the Hines Drive Cruise where I needed a jump to restart the engine. Once it was running, the electrical system (12-volt, negative ground) was not charging. Fortunately, I made it the 50 miles home on just the battery, but now I need to diagnose the charging system. Given that the generator was professionally rebuilt, I suspect the issue is in the regulator. Rather than just throwing a new regulator in and calling it a day, I'd like to actually figure out how these things work. Please learn me somethin’.