At 12:37 PM 9/4/2009, Steve Williams wrote: >So, is it pretty easy to replace just the regulator on the >road? Somebody point me to a how-to? (It's mounted on the >alternator, right?) Unless you want to remove the alternator (about five minutes to get off if you've done it a few times, noticeably more to put it back, at least if it's a new one) you need a right-angled #2 Phillips screwdriver (they come with #1 on one end and #2 on the other) unless by chance yours is like mine was and the screws are Torx. It has to rotate to clear the somewhat delicate brushes, but it will basically fall out in your hand. When replacing you have to rotate it back into position and hold it there until you get one screw at least finger-tight. It grounds through one of the screws, so make sure everything including both sides of the steel strap (you'll see what I mean) is/are clean.
>Or should I bite the bullet and just get a whole alternator with the >integrated regulator? A spare regulator is a nice thing to have...but I had this problem recently and ended up replacing the alternator. Advance Auto doesn't seem to mind if you keep your shiny new regulator when you swap in the core. I suspect it's the result of a shorted diode -- I'm not sure if a large one or small one, or maybe either would do it. Didn't have time to explore the issue.
-- David Beierl - Providence RI USA -- http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/ '89 Po' White Star "Scamp" |
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