The Ford Barn

pebo va · 05-29-2020, 11:24 AM

I need to replace my VR in my stock 6 volt "49 Ford. I never seem to get more than 2-3 years service from the NAPA VR 401 made by Echlin.
I have an American Bosch, 6 volt 40 amp, new in the box, replacement but it is much heavier and a bit larger than the Echlin. If I install the American Bosch and it malfunctions for some reason, can it damage some other part of my electrical system? Is there any other downside other than it just doesn't work?

tubman · 05-29-2020, 11:41 AM

I can't speak to the problems using a 40 amp regulator in a circuit intended for 30 amps, but can attest to the fact that the quality of current replacements has slipped badly over the years. I installed a solid-state replacement in my '67 Corvette about 5 years ago after experiencing the same problems you have. A member on here, "flatheadmurre" has developed a solid state regulator for 6 volt positive ground 30 amp systems that may be just the ticket. I can vouch for him and the quality of anything he offers. The only problem is that he is located in Sweden. You may want to PM him about the possibilities.

marko39 · 05-29-2020, 01:08 PM

You can find Nors regulators, have you checked with any of the excellent venders on this site?

Aarongriffey · 05-29-2020, 02:02 PM

Using a 40 amp regulator with a 30 amp generator is like haul 3 tons on a truck that was rated for 4 tons.
Take the generator and voltage regulator to a starter & generator rebuilding shop and ask them about it.
Remember to remind them it is positive ground if they offer to test everything for you.

Aarongriffey · 05-29-2020, 02:13 PM

Tubman is right, that stuff is getting harder and harder to come by.
On my ‘51 F1 I have a 6 volt Chevy generator with a Chevy 12 voltage regulator mounted upside down so the wires will reach charging 12 volts because I changed the truck to 12 volts since I often rent small utility trailers that are always 12 volt.
It had the Chevy generator and a 6 volt regulator when I bought it.
I plan to put an alternator on it, I’d hate to have something happen to the charge system a few hundred miles from home, or on a Sunday.

flatheadmurre · 05-29-2020, 02:17 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have American Bosch generators...they are the size used for Lincolns...
Using a regulator with a 40A current limitation on a 30A rated armature isn´t the best choice...
My solidstate regulators is about 3 month away from the first customer units for sale.
I have units out in field testing right now.

pebo va · 05-29-2020, 02:52 PM

Thanks to all for the good advice. I will wait until flatheadmurre has completed his test and give that a try. I am hoping my NAPA VR will last 3 months.

Kurt in NJ · 05-29-2020, 03:13 PM

The regulator has to limit amperage to protect the generator

1931 flamingo · 05-30-2020, 07:05 AM

Take the regulator to an old time starter/gen shop and have it tested/repaired. JMO
Paul in CT

Recently had the gen in my 40 rebuilt, took the gen and regulator together.
FWIW

koates · 05-30-2020, 07:48 PM

The centre relay in your 40 amp regulator is the current control which can be adjusted down to 32 amps to match your generators safe maximum output. Best to find an older auto electrical shop with an experienced older man who knows how to do this adjustment. It should work fine with your 32 amp generator. Regards, Kevin.

05-29-2020, 11:24 AM	#1
pebo va Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 62	Voltage Regulator Replacement I need to replace my VR in my stock 6 volt "49 Ford. I never seem to get more than 2-3 years service from the NAPA VR 401 made by Echlin. I have an American Bosch, 6 volt 40 amp, new in the box, replacement but it is much heavier and a bit larger than the Echlin. If I install the American Bosch and it malfunctions for some reason, can it damage some other part of my electrical system? Is there any other downside other than it just doesn't work?

05-29-2020, 11:41 AM	#2
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,312	Re: Voltage Regulator Replacement I can't speak to the problems using a 40 amp regulator in a circuit intended for 30 amps, but can attest to the fact that the quality of current replacements has slipped badly over the years. I installed a solid-state replacement in my '67 Corvette about 5 years ago after experiencing the same problems you have. A member on here, "flatheadmurre" has developed a solid state regulator for 6 volt positive ground 30 amp systems that may be just the ticket. I can vouch for him and the quality of anything he offers. The only problem is that he is located in Sweden. You may want to PM him about the possibilities.

05-29-2020, 01:08 PM	#3
marko39 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: harpursville ny Posts: 1,040	Re: Voltage Regulator Replacement You can find Nors regulators, have you checked with any of the excellent venders on this site?

05-29-2020, 02:02 PM	#4
Aarongriffey Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Hayward,CA Posts: 513	Re: Voltage Regulator Replacement Using a 40 amp regulator with a 30 amp generator is like haul 3 tons on a truck that was rated for 4 tons. Take the generator and voltage regulator to a starter & generator rebuilding shop and ask them about it. Remember to remind them it is positive ground if they offer to test everything for you.

05-29-2020, 02:13 PM	#5
Aarongriffey Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Hayward,CA Posts: 513	Re: Voltage Regulator Replacement Tubman is right, that stuff is getting harder and harder to come by. On my ‘51 F1 I have a 6 volt Chevy generator with a Chevy 12 voltage regulator mounted upside down so the wires will reach charging 12 volts because I changed the truck to 12 volts since I often rent small utility trailers that are always 12 volt. It had the Chevy generator and a 6 volt regulator when I bought it. I plan to put an alternator on it, I’d hate to have something happen to the charge system a few hundred miles from home, or on a Sunday.

05-29-2020, 02:17 PM	#6
flatheadmurre Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sweden Posts: 3,045	Re: Voltage Regulator Replacement Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have American Bosch generators...they are the size used for Lincolns... Using a regulator with a 40A current limitation on a 30A rated armature isn´t the best choice... My solidstate regulators is about 3 month away from the first customer units for sale. I have units out in field testing right now.

05-29-2020, 02:52 PM	#7
pebo va Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 62	Re: Voltage Regulator Replacement Thanks to all for the good advice. I will wait until flatheadmurre has completed his test and give that a try. I am hoping my NAPA VR will last 3 months.

05-29-2020, 03:13 PM	#8
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,158	Re: Voltage Regulator Replacement The regulator has to limit amperage to protect the generator

05-30-2020, 07:05 AM	#9
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Voltage Regulator Replacement Take the regulator to an old time starter/gen shop and have it tested/repaired. JMO Paul in CT Recently had the gen in my 40 rebuilt, took the gen and regulator together. FWIW

05-30-2020, 07:48 PM	#10
koates Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Melbourne Australia. Posts: 2,079	Re: Voltage Regulator Replacement The centre relay in your 40 amp regulator is the current control which can be adjusted down to 32 amps to match your generators safe maximum output. Best to find an older auto electrical shop with an experienced older man who knows how to do this adjustment. It should work fine with your 32 amp generator. Regards, Kevin.