The Ford Barn

181 · 09-29-2021, 10:08 AM

Hello,
does anybody have an experience with adjustable voltage regulator? This one, quite modern looking, is what I have in my ´39 Zephyr. Everything seems to work fine, I´m looking for instructions.

I guess I will try to find original regulator for a spare.

Thank you!

koates · 09-29-2021, 10:18 AM

Why do you want to adjust it if its OK. You will need a voltmeter to be able to do that correctly. Regards, Kevin.

181 · 09-29-2021, 10:35 AM

I do not plan to touch it for now, but I would like to have some insight on the function. If everything the knob does is to adjust the output voltage for the battery (I shoud measure that on the BAT terminal for max charging voltage allowed fot the Optima, right?) , then it´s okay, I can bring voltmeter and adjust to suit my Optima.
I´m not even sure if it is adjusted properly at the moment as the car arrived yesterday, so I have to learn.

koates · 09-29-2021, 10:50 AM

The voltage settiing for your optima battery would be the same as a normal lead acid battery. Is your car an original 6 volt system ?

rotorwrench · 09-29-2021, 01:11 PM

The aftermarket "adjustable" VRs were kind of a gimmick. Externally adjustable units can be damaged by folks that don't understand the feature. Due to this, most of the different units I've seen were problematic in operation so they end up on a dusty shelf somewhere. I would avoid using one myself but they may work as long as a person checks after each adjustment and checks the adjustment knob now and then. Vibration can also allow them to get out of adjustment and this is why I came to the conclusion that I did.

supereal · 09-29-2021, 03:58 PM

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I agree with the post above. A voltage regulator works by pulsing the relays, and it is nearly impossible to adjust properly without the necessary equipment. It is better to replace the "adjustable" regulator. If you have a three brush generator, C&G sells an electronic regulator. 800/266-0470. If your Lincoln is still 6 volt, the correct regulator is 51A-10505, 49.50.

koates · 09-29-2021, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supereal

I agree with the post above. A voltage regulator works by pulsing the relays, and it is nearly impossible to adjust properly without the necessary equipment. It is better to replace the "adjustable" regulator. If you have a three brush generator, C&G sells an electronic regulator. 800/266-0470. If your Lincoln is still 6 volt, the correct regulator is 51A-10505, 49.50.

Why not just check the voltage setting on the existing regulator and if it is working OK then leave it alone. No need to fix what aint broke !!!

09-29-2021, 10:08 AM	#1
181 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 18	Adjustable voltage regulator? Hello, does anybody have an experience with adjustable voltage regulator? This one, quite modern looking, is what I have in my ´39 Zephyr. Everything seems to work fine, I´m looking for instructions. I guess I will try to find original regulator for a spare. Thank you!

09-29-2021, 10:18 AM	#2
koates Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Melbourne Australia. Posts: 2,078	Re: Adjustable voltage regulator? Why do you want to adjust it if its OK. You will need a voltmeter to be able to do that correctly. Regards, Kevin.

09-29-2021, 10:35 AM	#3
181 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 18	Re: Adjustable voltage regulator? I do not plan to touch it for now, but I would like to have some insight on the function. If everything the knob does is to adjust the output voltage for the battery (I shoud measure that on the BAT terminal for max charging voltage allowed fot the Optima, right?) , then it´s okay, I can bring voltmeter and adjust to suit my Optima. I´m not even sure if it is adjusted properly at the moment as the car arrived yesterday, so I have to learn. Last edited by 181; 09-29-2021 at 10:45 AM.

09-29-2021, 10:50 AM	#4
koates Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Melbourne Australia. Posts: 2,078	Re: Adjustable voltage regulator? The voltage settiing for your optima battery would be the same as a normal lead acid battery. Is your car an original 6 volt system ?

09-29-2021, 01:11 PM	#5
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,422	Re: Adjustable voltage regulator? The aftermarket "adjustable" VRs were kind of a gimmick. Externally adjustable units can be damaged by folks that don't understand the feature. Due to this, most of the different units I've seen were problematic in operation so they end up on a dusty shelf somewhere. I would avoid using one myself but they may work as long as a person checks after each adjustment and checks the adjustment knob now and then. Vibration can also allow them to get out of adjustment and this is why I came to the conclusion that I did.

09-29-2021, 03:58 PM	#6
supereal Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,634	Re: Adjustable voltage regulator? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I agree with the post above. A voltage regulator works by pulsing the relays, and it is nearly impossible to adjust properly without the necessary equipment. It is better to replace the "adjustable" regulator. If you have a three brush generator, C&G sells an electronic regulator. 800/266-0470. If your Lincoln is still 6 volt, the correct regulator is 51A-10505, 49.50.