Slant 6 Voltage Regulator Syracuse Nationals

Start with the voltage checks.

Check the battery resting voltage before you start the car. If it is above 12.4 volts it should start the engine. if you hae a battery voltage below 12.0v, charge the battery. An overnight charge with a 2 amp charger is great.

Once you can start the car, check the voltage at the battery terminals with the engine running. Should be 14.5 to 14.7 volts. If it is below 13.0 volts, either the regulator or alternator is not working properly.

If you suspect the voltage regulator, pull the dark green wire off of the terminal on the alternator. With the key on, the voltage on that wire should be the same as the battery voltage with the engine stopped.

To test the alternator, jumper from the terminal the dark green wire was connected to on the alternator to the output stud on the alternator. This will "full field" the alternator, causing it to produce maximum output. You should see a charging voltage over 15 volts. Only full field the alternator long enough to do the voltage check - do NOT drive the car this way.

Hope this helps.

B.

Edit:
Yes, there is a plain old mechanical regulator still available. Rock Auto has them, and some chain stores do too - it will have a metal can, and is usually the cheapest part.