over charging

[popdaddy]

I have a 72 240,new battery,alternator,voltage regulator.Car is overcharging, also when brake lights are on or I turn on blinkers,needle pegs the gauge.Any ideas?

[a7dz]

Did you polarize the voltage regulator after you changed it?

[SteveJ]

First, get a voltmeter and take measurements. Let us know what the results are.

Second, are you sure you got an alternator that is not internally regulated?

Third, what were the circumstances that necessitated changing out the alternator, regulator and battery?

[e_racer1999]

would the alternator even work if it was IR and you had a VR plugged into it?

[SteveJ]

Yes. In my case, the voltage peaked somewhere around 18 volts. That's what happens when you do parts replacements/upgrades without the proper research.

[popdaddy]

Jim,what do you mean by polarizing?

[popdaddy]

Also if it were internally regulated, would the t connector be available on the back of new alt.?

[SteveJ]

IIRC, it was all plug and play to drop in the interally regulated alternator (well, except for the conflict between the internal and external regulator and the fact that you need to install diodes to prevent feedback that will cause run-on, but I digress). I'll try to remember to look at my car tonight to verify. What is the rated output on your new alternator?

[e_racer1999]

^what's interesting is that i didn't have to install a diode :/

[Biz280Z]

I had this problem with my original 72. It was the lead at the voltage regulator that feeds back to the battery to tell it what the charge sate is. It was broken at the connector under the regulator. If it;s not connected it will be telling the regulator that the battery is dead to give it max charge. If I remember right it was a white wire.

[e_racer1999]

^good call. that's probably what it is... something in the "sense" circuit is probably messed up

[SteveJ]

Also if it were internally regulated, would the t connector be available on the back of new alt.?

I looked at my car. Yes, it's pretty much plug and play.