Where is the voltage regulator??

[PlumCrazyChris]

This may sound silly, but where is the voltage reg. located on a 79 Cherokee? On the 76 I have its on the fenderwell. I don't see one on my 79.
I loose voltage when I come to a stop, and have to turn up the idle to keep from stalling a low rpms. This only happens intermittantly though.

It may be that my belt needs tightening, or that the alt. it dying, but I'd like to check the volt. reg. as well....if I could find it. If the volt. reg. is going, is it possible for my wiring to fry? The PO of my 76 said thats what happened to the 76. He had to replace the harness.

Any thoughts on the low volt problem?

[Iron Horse]

What alternator do you have on your 79? If it's a GM type, then the voltage regulator is internal to the alternator. If it's the Motorcraft alt. then it should be on the passenger fender...in front of the heater blower motor.

[PlumCrazyChris]

I believe it is a GM type. Is there any replacing it, or just the whole altenator?

[Iron Horse]

You can replace the internal regulator, but a new "rebuilt" alt should only run $50 or so....so in my book it's not really worth it to service the alt yourself....just get a new one from autozone or similar, which should have a lifetime warrranty if I remember correctly.

EDIT: The $50 was for a higher output GM type alt for my GW's thirsty electric gizmos. smile.gif

Andy

[ September 19, 2002, 02:12 PM: Message edited by: Iron Horse ]

[porkchop]

I got my rebuilt alt from Checkers for $24. They did have the voltage regulator seperate for about $15. This is from what I can remember.

[PlumCrazyChris]

Thanks guys, I guess I can take mine down and check it at most places right?

[andy d]

if you have a 1/4' drive socket set and a pair of ignition pliers, and an hour or so, you can swap out the reg in a delco. i can get replacements for less than 6$ from an auto electric shop up town. the salt air or something rots the terminal off them. the pulley has to come off and then you hafta split the case. then you hafta take out the field. i prefer it to taking my chances with a-zone

[lanierboy]

I replaced the regulator board in my alternator a while back and found it to be a fairly simple job. I think I bought the replacement for around $9 at Advanced Auto.

[phil king]

just replaced the voltage reg in my alternater took about 5 min and contrary to popular beleife you dont have to remove the pulley on a delco just remove the 4 bolts that hold the case together and split it

[FSJ Thing]

Yes, just about any parts store will check it, but like someone else said in another post, take it to an autoelectric place, you never know how they taught the counter monkeys to read the test machine at the chain parts stores.

[The Preacher]

I was having charging problems with my rig and finally traced it to a loose connection on the regulator.

Good luck.

[andy d]

Originally posted by phil king:
just replaced the voltage reg in my alternater took about 5 min and contrary to popular beleife you dont have to remove the pulley on a delco just remove the 4 bolts that hold the case together and split itREally, i will hafta try that. thanks for the info. i like it when i learn something, esp a better way smile.gif