I think I have a bad 6 volt regulator on my 48 Ford flathead engine because the voltage at the battery jumps all over the scale and the points in the regulator look burned. I have some old regulators in a box that I took off of various old cars in the past. So how do I tell which ones are 6 volt and which ones are 12 volt and can I test them without putting them on the car first?
They are usually stamped on the underside or side of the main frame ...also need to know if it's negative ground or positive ground...or could be like this one with all of the info in plain view....this one is new... I have a few others ....need one ? Stop in and it's yours..... Sent from my QTASUN1 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Hey thanks. The ones I have all look painted over or the printing is worn off. Perhaps I need to look at them with my gl***es on.. I appreciate the offer but Oregon is a little far away for a "stop in" anytime soon. Do you know of a way to check them without mounting them and trying it out?
Good question, sometimes I run into a box of regulators at a swap meet and would like to pick up some extra ones as I have 3 cars that can use them. Problem is, what do they fit? It's not only 6 volt or 12 volt, also be on the lookout for "B" circuit or "A" circuit, then the current rating of the regulator. I would think if you install a 40 amp regulator on a generator that can handle 30 amp, you may have a problem at some time. The "B" circuit was used with Fords and the field is grounded all the time, the regulator turns on and off the ungrounded side to energize the field. "A" circuits switch the grounded side of the field. Sometimes I can spot a A or B regulator just depends how late in the day it is. I guess the current can be adjusted to what the generator can handle, if you know what that is. As far as positive or negative ground goes, it's the contact points that differ, they use a different metal to combat metal transfer from one contact to the other and this depends on which way the current flows. Some of the newer regulators can be used for either because they have the better metal on both contacts. I know this does not answer your question but just beware that there may be more to it than just 6v or 12v.
Wow, way to confuse a guy. I have little knowledge of voltage regulators. Didn't know that many variables are presented in using the right one.
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