disposable voltage regulators?

[kenmataya]

i was driving my 70Z, and it started to sputter a bit at higher rpms, the tach was jumping around as it did. then i notice that the ammeter is pegged out at 45+ amps at anything above idle! the regulator was installed new in september 2012 ( from motorsport Z ), should this thing be bad already?? its reading 14V at the alternator, jumping to 17+ when i rev it. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ken

[SteveJ]

Did you replace the alternator at the same time?

[kenmataya]

as indicated the alternator is putting out enough voltage, the sytem is overcharging, so I assume its the voltage regulator - replacing it this weekend.

[SteveJ]

as indicated the alternator is putting out enough voltage, the sytem is overcharging, so I assume its the voltage regulator - replacing it this weekend.

As indicated the alternator is putting out TOO MUCH VOLTAGE when the engine is at speed. That could be caused by a bad voltage regulator, a bad alternator, or it could be caused by someone matching an internally regulated alternator with a voltage regulator.

[kenmataya]

put in new regulator, everything looked fine - for about 5 minutes. ammeter back up to +35 amps at anything but idle. checked voltage at alternator - up to 17v when revving, but voltage at battery between 12-14V...

[SteveJ]

At first I thought it might be an internally regulated alternator. When did you get the alternator?

Edited April 5, 2014 by SteveJ

[Zed Head]

the regulator was installed new in september 2012 ( from motorsport Z ), should this thing be bad already??

There are a few threads from the past about the solid state MSA regulators. They were kind of sensitive, apparently, and failed quickly. Hate to say bad things about a sponsor's product, but not all of their products can be perfect. Your signs point to a bad regulator.

[rcb280z]

I bought one from "Checkers Auto parts" in Vegas 7 years ago. Still working. Think I paid around $20. I see they have gotten more expensive! Rock Auto has a Beck/Arnley for $18. You may want to try it.

[beermanpete]

You could use a regulator from a late 60s Ford if you don't mind rewiring the connector to fit.

[kenmataya]

the alternator has been on the car for 2 years with a regulator, i'm pretty sure its OEM without an internal regulator. again, I don't think a bad alternator will overcharge, past the regulator if its functioning correctly. Has anybody else had issues with the regulators from Motorsport Z?

Thanks,

Ken

[kenmataya]

drove it a bit today, ammeter was reading about +40 with the fan an lights on, needle started to jump around, now its reading exactly where it should.....

[bhermes]

Note sure if this is pertinent, I have a 76 280z, I went through 3 alternators and 2 voltage regulators in about 2 weeks and never got the aftermarket alternator and the aftermarket voltage regulator to work properly. I had to upgrade to the new internally regulated alternator. No problems with over charging since.