Where is the voltage regulator? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

THE "10" SILVERADO · 03-20-2013, 06:03 PM

Hey guys,
Been having some electrical problems lately. Headlights dim and get bright, volt meter jumping all over the place, and if it's related my thermostat is stuck on cold no matter what. Everything worked before the new engine. After reading around on here I'm thinking it's my voltage regulator. I have a 3 wire alternator so it's external, the only problem? I don't know where it's at. Does anyone know where the external voltage regulators are so I can replace it?

Thanks.

pwradder · 03-20-2013, 06:46 PM

is this on the 77 in you're sig? if so the voltage reg is internal, there is a power wire and another plug with two wires together. is this what you mean by three wire?

THE "10" SILVERADO · 03-20-2013, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwradder

is this on the 77 in you're sig? if so the voltage reg is internal, there is a power wire and another plug with two wires together. is this what you mean by three wire?

Yes this is for the 77. Yes, there is the larger red power wire and the two wires for the plug. I was under the assumption that everything was externally regulated until the 1 wire alternators.

71swb4x4 · 03-20-2013, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE "10" SILVERADO

Yes this is for the 77. Yes, there is the larger red power wire and the two wires for the plug. I was under the assumption that everything was externally regulated until the 1 wire alternators.

You know what they say about assuming!!

You have an internally regulated alternator.

THE "10" SILVERADO · 03-20-2013, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71swb4x4

You know what they say about assuming!!

You have an internally regulated alternator.

Crapola. I guess that means my relatively new alternator is on its way out the door.

71swb4x4 · 03-20-2013, 10:00 PM

It does sound like the regulator. Just to be thorough check the belt too and make sure it isn't slipping.
Any parts place should be able to test the alternator if you take it in.

csb#356 · 03-20-2013, 10:02 PM

When you replaced the engine did you make sure all of the grounds got replaced right?

THE "10" SILVERADO · 03-20-2013, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csb#356

When you replaced the engine did you make sure all of the grounds got replaced right?

Used the same cable to the alt bracket. took out an old 12 gauge ground from battery to frame and replaced it with a 10 gauge wire. So all the grounds should be good to go.

PAWS 72 · 03-21-2013, 12:36 AM

wouldn't surprise me if the alternator is bad.

03-20-2013, 06:03 PM	#1
THE "10" SILVERADO Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Marble Falls, TX Posts: 1,575	Where is the voltage regulator? Hey guys, Been having some electrical problems lately. Headlights dim and get bright, volt meter jumping all over the place, and if it's related my thermostat is stuck on cold no matter what. Everything worked before the new engine. After reading around on here I'm thinking it's my voltage regulator. I have a 3 wire alternator so it's external, the only problem? I don't know where it's at. Does anyone know where the external voltage regulators are so I can replace it? Thanks. __________________ Michael Re-starting the neglected '77...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=425464&page=9

03-20-2013, 06:46 PM	#2
pwradder Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: stafford springs ct Posts: 149	Re: Where is the voltage regulator? is this on the 77 in you're sig? if so the voltage reg is internal, there is a power wire and another plug with two wires together. is this what you mean by three wire? __________________ 1977 srw cc lb 396/700r/4:11's/6'' bds lift/ 35's. sold 1986 suburban 350/700r/3:73's 31's: parted out. 1980 silverado swb 5.3/700r/ 2'' drop/ daily driver. sold 1985 c10 long bed 5.3/700r/2'' drop/17" wheels/ daily driver. sold 1970 c10 long bed-new project! getting ready for the 6.0

03-20-2013, 10:00 PM	#6
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Where is the voltage regulator? It does sound like the regulator. Just to be thorough check the belt too and make sure it isn't slipping. Any parts place should be able to test the alternator if you take it in. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

03-20-2013, 10:02 PM	#7
csb#356 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pinehurst, Idaho Posts: 311	Re: Where is the voltage regulator? When you replaced the engine did you make sure all of the grounds got replaced right?

03-21-2013, 12:36 AM	#9
PAWS 72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Sheffield, ALA Posts: 2,471	Re: Where is the voltage regulator? wouldn't surprise me if the alternator is bad.



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