Alternator regulator ??

[blackstack]

I am not at all conversant with things electrical.

Here is my problem: When i turn on the key the alternator light lights up brightly. When the engine starts and is idling at low rpm the light dims and flickers and almost goes out. If I increase rpm the light gets brighter.

Until yesterday when I started the engine the light would be on and as soon as I gave the rpm a little kick it would go out and stay out. I have never had any battery problems. This was very sudden onset of the problem.

How can I determine if the problem is the regulator or the alternator?

I have a new regulator and would be happy to buy a new (or rebuilt) alternator as I am planning a trip at the end of the month . (Well not happy but willing)

Any suggestions as to how to proceed? I wasthinking to change out the regulator and see if that fixed things but dont want to do that if there is a chance that the problem is the alternator and hooking up the new regulator to it would damage the regulator.

[pcolette]

The first thing I would suggest trying is to unplug and clean the terminals in the Molex connector just to the rear of the distributor. A good cleaning with a small wire brush or scraping with a pen knife often cures the problem you are having.
At the same time check the condition of the wires where they connect to the crimp terminals. Over time some of the strands may have broken.

Hope this helps.

[blackstack]

I changed out the regulator...no difference....I was going to try to see if I could check the brushes...when I came back inside I saw the Post from Paul....too simple I thought but why not ? a little elecro clean and a brass brus and back to normal!!!!!!!

What a gold mine this forum is!!

Thank you so much Paul !!

[Jim LaGuardia]

Pull the front tin off the engine and repair the broken wire at the back of the alternator or the Molex connector

[blackstack]

Is it possible to check the brushes without taking the Alternator completely out?

[Jim LaGuardia]

Yes, the assembly comes off with 2 screws.

[blackstack]

Thanks Jim for the info. I am positive the problem was in the Mloex fitting connections being dirty. I took the tin off anyway and all the wires look good no cracked insulation or stranded wires. I figure since I have it open I will try to take a look at the brushes . I am a follower of the "if it aint broke dont fix it" school and a little hesitant about taking the brush rig off for fear of not getting it back on correctly ..we shall see

I see in section O pg 23 of the repair manual a picture of the brush plate being taken out but doesn't show the two screws that release it..fig 40 on pg 16 doesnt help much either...

[Jim LaGuardia]

Just pull the plug off the alternator, if you don't see the 2 screws, you are blind Push down(toward armeture) and pull back to remove brushes(spring loaded).
For a better view, look at the parts manual
There are also images posted on my website(link below)

[blackstack]

ahhhhh now I know why I keep bumping into things!!!!! I am blind!!!!

[Jim LaGuardia]

My Alternator pictures are on on Photobucket.