Technical GERNERATOR QUESTION

Just put a new voltage regulator on my brothers 62 impala, within 10 minutes of install the wires connected to the generator got very hot and started to melt, so we disconnected the battery and that’s as far as we got. I thought I would put this out here to see if anyone could help with a diagnosis as to what may be the problem. It started right up after the install and was charging, this happen with the engine off and the ignition key in off position.

 

Did you polarize the generator?

 

d2 Willys do you remember all the **** I went thru with the voltage regulator on my 56 buick wagon.Man thoses things are fussy.Bruce.

 

A lot of things can cause this. although its important, a non polarized voltage regulator isn't one of them.
Right back to basics.
You have a high resistance in the cables.
Loose Battery Terminals
Cables Too Small in Diameter
Dirty or corroded battery terminals
A possible short in the battery cables
It's most likely that the new cables are too small or that your battery terminals are very dirty or loose
Verify you have the wiring related to the charging system tight and correct.
Your voltage regulator could be stuck open meaning its not shutting off after the battery is charged.
Look for a dead short somewhere.
Also check the wires to the starter and ALL your grounds.

 

Engine off and smoking wires = cutout contact in VR stuck closed. Bad VR ,most new ones now days ain't worth **** ! It's enough to make me install a alt.

 

^^^^This^^^^

 

Agreed that the VR cutout relay is stuck, but this happens when the GENERATOR is not polarized correctly. Voltage regulators are not the one's that are POLARIZED.

 

Thanks guys problem solved.

 

I'd like to hear about the solution

 

so, 50fastback, what was the deal? I have run into this also.