Voltage Peaks then Drops

[Chazwars]

I celebrated getting the brakes/tires/alignment/carb dialed in. It was an awesome day and oh boy things are feeling great. I spoke too soon. Out of the blue the lights would all get really bright, aftermarket radio cut out and the voltmeter gauge peaked to 16-17. Average rate is a touch over 13 driving.

I swung by the AZ to check alternator/battery. Two things were observed.

1) there was battery acid coming out of the top caps. This is the first I've seen of this.

2) the internal voltage regulator failed upon testing.

I'm running a 72 with an upgraded Bosch 14v 65amp internal regulator and an el cheapo Wally World battery.

Think the bad regulator is causing the peak? The battery acid overflow seems rather odd to be related to a bad regulator.

Oh I should mention too that my belt randomly squeaked when it is otherwise tightened solidly.

Thanks wise ones!

[azruss]

if the regulator is bad then it can be overcharging the battery causing it to boil. Fix it quick before your battery blows up

[Chazwars]

That doesn't sound like a good thing. Haha. I guess that's why buying a Wally World battery is great. A new questions asked because the worker doesn't care policy.

Anyone ever repair/replace an internal volt regulator for the Bosch? It looks like there are some replacements but most seem to be in Europe.

[spider2081]

The voltage regulator can be changed with out removing the alternator. It is a little trying but manageable.The regulator assembly also contains the alternators brushes. If you do not know the age of your alternator I would take it to a local alternator/starter repair shop and have it rebuilt. Often by the time a voltage regulator acts up the brushes are worn and the slip rings have a grove in them that should be dressed. Some folks prefer chain type parts stores and exchange their alternators for a rebuilt. I prefer to have mine rebuilt.
If you chose to simply replace the voltage regulator/brush assembly most all of our Fiat supply houses carry them. Some of the inexpensive online regulators are not reliable. Many suggest staying with a Bosch assembly.

[81SPIDERMATT]

I took mine out of the car to replace the regulator ONLY because I had the "is that the right way" question nagging at my brain as I put the new one in .... once on the bench it allowed me to see better what I was doing and gave me the piece of mind that it was in the right way .... and also made me realize that there was no need to remove it .... could have done it where it sits ... but that nagging uncertainty gets me more often than not

[majicwrench]

Clean up that acid around the battery real good.

Change that regulator. Stuck reg caused overcharge, can fry your radio etc, boil the crap out of your battery, and make belt squeel.

Has alternator worked dependably in the past?? I am never fond of thing added on to "improve" the car, is easy to get it wrong and create more problems.

[bradartigue]

Assuming you removed the external regulator when you installed the alternator with the integrated one?

[Chazwars]

Yep. I removed the old regulator and connected the indicator wire from the alternator directly to the black wire coming off the old external and leading to the #49 indicator light on the instrument panel.

I went ahead and got a big chain rebuilt. I found one for $65 plus 15% discount and $25 gift card. I like the lifetime warranty. Otherwise, I did experience some belt squeal a lot. I will probably still fix the 65. I agree though with improvements. As I was running the 65, I slowly had switches and relays did out. Not sure if it was the cause but who knows.