How to delete the external voltage regulator? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pritch · 05-25-2011, 01:16 PM

This is the next project on my truck, I have a new alternator and I want to delete the external regulator. I saw some how-to threads in FAQ, but I wasn't sure if they applied to this alt:

Any help would be great. Thanks

**leddzepp** · 05-25-2011, 01:20 PM

here you go: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=119379

MARKDTN · 05-25-2011, 03:54 PM

Basically blue wire to terminal 1, the white wire to terminal 2. At the regulator plug, jumper the inner 2 wires together and the outer 2 wires together.

pritch · 05-25-2011, 10:30 PM

Thanks, guys. LedZepp, that was the very thread I was talking about, I wasn't sure if my alt was the same as that one.

**Dieselwrencher** · 05-25-2011, 10:38 PM

Great info.

Flint70step · 05-25-2011, 10:58 PM

I recently did this to my truck and it works great.My headlights seem to be brighter too.I love this place

josephh1995 · 03-30-2014, 08:59 PM

Im new to forums, so I noticed this thread is from 2011, but I believe it will fix my problem, I have a 1971 c-10 it has a 350 small cam, 4bb. It seems to have charging issues, I have taken out the 600 cranking amp battery and put in a 1000 cranking amp battery which helps it start now, it had a timing issue I think was the initial problem, it looks to have a new external regulator, I have put new grounds from the engine to the body and the frame to the body. With the new battery all the lights were bright and seemed to be doing well, But lately the lights, dash and all flicker, and on the way to work they all went dim and the voltage meter dropped from 14-15 to 11-12, I dont have a dash light that comes on when I turn the key, so not sure if the brown wire is hooked up right causing the regulator to burn up, or if its something else any ideas would be appreciated, I have the truck a month, its partially restored.

19673ontree · 03-30-2014, 09:05 PM

I have gotten spoiled with the new one wire high amp alternators , only tools required is a 1/2 and 9/16 wrench just bolt it on hook it to the hot post and you have amazing charging !

josephh1995 · 03-30-2014, 09:19 PM

What about the regulator, does it bypass that, and will a one wire be able to run all the lights and what not

tcoop68 · 03-30-2014, 11:45 PM

Classic Chevrolet in OKC oklama sales a kit to exclude your external regulator easy install and cheap

knomadd · 03-31-2014, 12:03 AM

Joseph, I believe all one wire alternators are internally regulated so the external regulator would not be necessary. I'm not 100% on that so check before you buy. If you buy a GM 10Si or 12Si type alternator, they are internally regulated so the external regulator is no longer needed or used. Most high output alternators are of this type or the newer CS130. Converting to a 10Si or 12Si is easier than a CS130, but one wires of any type are pretty easy too. I'm not so well versed in it that I can explain how it works, so do some research on swapping from external regulator to an internal regulated alternator. Like Tcoop68 said, there are even wiring kits for these swaps so you can leave all your factory wiring alone.

**Already Gone** · 03-31-2014, 01:00 AM

subscribed

1969_CM2590D · 03-31-2014, 01:23 AM

I'm the contrarian here. I was going to convert to internally regulated, but changed my mind.

I took my standard 37 amp to a fellow near Louisville who rebuilds old auto electrics for restorers to get a price. For $100, my old alternator has double the juice (75 amps) thanks to the new stator he put in, as well as all new guts and a nice refinishing. I know 75 would be thin for a lot of trucks with plenty of gizmology in them, but mine- in addition to having manual everything- lacks not just a radio, but a lighter as well. All I plan on adding are a couple of power ports for the phone and a Bluetooth stereo speaker (with Google Music, I'll never buy another CD!). Therefore I should have plenty of juice.

So I asked him about a new voltage regulator. I was told to get the top of the line from NAPA, not the cheap or middle range ones. If you go cheap he said, the alternator may burn up when it fails. Makes me wonder if this isn't a problem when a VR is replaced.

There was one more thing he said before I left, "You know you can get a cheaper one from NAPA, or convert, as oppsed to restoring- but you won't get that part number on it...."

MARKDTN · 03-31-2014, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1969_CM2590D

I'm the contrarian here. I was going to convert to internally regulated, but changed my mind.

I took my standard 37 amp to a fellow near Louisville who rebuilds old auto electrics for restorers to get a price. For $100, my old alternator has double the juice (75 amps) thanks to the new stator he put in, as well as all new guts and a nice refinishing. I know 75 would be thin for a lot of trucks with plenty of gizmology in them, but mine- in addition to having manual everything- lacks not just a radio, but a lighter as well. All I plan on adding are a couple of power ports for the phone and a Bluetooth stereo speaker (with Google Music, I'll never buy another CD!). Therefore I should have plenty of juice.

So I asked him about a new voltage regulator. I was told to get the top of the line from NAPA, not the cheap or middle range ones. If you go cheap he said, the alternator may burn up when it fails. Makes me wonder if this isn't a problem when a VR is replaced.

There was one more thing he said before I left, "You know you can get a cheaper one from NAPA, or convert, as oppsed to restoring- but you won't get that part number on it...."

If I was going to do this, I would also swap to a Ford solid state regulator. Over time the mechanical type regulators will fail, but the solid state ones last a long long time.

**VetteVet** · 03-31-2014, 09:25 AM

....Have a look.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=622743

..................
http://www.google.com/custom?domains...D%3A1%3B&hl=en

67 chevelle · 03-31-2014, 10:14 AM

This is a good read for anyone considering these modifications

http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml

Andy4639 · 03-31-2014, 11:01 AM

If your truck has any mods done to it in the electric area this mod is a must. The stock setup is fine for a stock truck only and at 40 years old it's seen it's better days.
I did the mod several years ago and it has been nice seeing at night again. For no other reason but for lights it's worth it.
I took the amp gauge out and put the voltmeter in it's place. Well worth it. Mine runs 14.5 volts at idle.

josephh1995 · 03-31-2014, 08:39 PM

Ok thanks for the info, I do wanna switch to a 3 wire setup rather than a one wire, from researching it a 3 wire seems more capable of handling more electrical components, but my concern is that I do the upgrade and have issues with overcharging or undercharging, because I have an aftermarket volt guage, and there doesnt seem to be an amperage dash light, not sure if it has one or just that it doesnt work and the factory volt gauge is not hooked up. Is there a way to check the brown wire to see if it works or put a resistor on it, so that it will tell the altenator what to do, I thought I seen a link where some one hooked up a light to the sensing wire and it worked. Or should I run a new sensing wire and where would I run it, some are calling it an altenator exciting wire. Any help would be great, I am doing the 3 wire switch tomorrow, but I think the overall problem is the altenator sensing wire.

josephh1995 · 03-31-2014, 08:45 PM

Good point, I do want to keep the truck stock as possible looking, but I need it dependable as well. Im the same as you, im leaving the factory radio and using a bluetooth speaker from my iphone so, im not concerned with using to much power, but if a three wire will make it more driveable and dependable then I think that would be better off. Not sure at this point because I cant figure out whats wrong with it, other than the sensing wire is shorted.

tim21391 · 04-01-2014, 12:24 AM

Gm one wires I've read are shorted internally from the manufacture on purpose that is internally regulated so whenever the engines running it's charging regardless and no need for external regulator

josephh1995 · 04-01-2014, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim21391

Gm one wires I've read are shorted internally from the manufacture on purpose that is internally regulated so whenever the engines running it's charging regardless and no need for external regulator

Ok well taht may be the route I go, one wire alt, I had oriellys test the alt that is on it and they said it was the regulator, so I put a new one on it, as soon as I started it, it fried the new voltage regulator, so guess ill research one wire regulators and see how to install one

josephh1995 · 04-01-2014, 10:23 AM

[QUOTE=josephh1995;6606015]Ok well that may be the route I go, one wire alt, I had oriellys test the alt that is on it and they said it was the regulator, so I put a new one on it, as soon as I started it, it fried the new voltage regulator, so guess ill research one wire regulators and see how to install a one wire alt, will this eliminate the overcharging issue?

Tntruckowner · 07-28-2016, 07:51 PM

Nobody answered his question how to get rid of the voltage regulator

**VetteVet** · 07-28-2016, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tntruckowner

Nobody answered his question how to get rid of the voltage regulator

I don't know why I bother to post links to save typing it all over again but I have answered this question at least a 1000 times. All you need to do is click on the link.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=622743

**dmjlambert** · 07-29-2016, 12:09 AM

Is there a different way the one wire alternators are done? The link appears to talk about 3 wire alternators. Advantages/disadvantages for one wire vs. 3 wire?

Is it only the one wire alternators that won't start charging until revved to a certain RPM, or all internally regulated ones that way?

05-25-2011, 01:16 PM	#1
pritch Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hoytsville, Utah Posts: 3,365	How to delete the external voltage regulator? This is the next project on my truck, I have a new alternator and I want to delete the external regulator. I saw some how-to threads in FAQ, but I wasn't sure if they applied to this alt: Any help would be great. Thanks __________________ '68 Panel Project Boogie Chillin' '68 C-10 Ol' Green

05-25-2011, 01:20 PM	#2
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,981	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? here you go: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=119379 __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

05-25-2011, 03:54 PM	#3
MARKDTN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 2,131	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? Basically blue wire to terminal 1, the white wire to terminal 2. At the regulator plug, jumper the inner 2 wires together and the outer 2 wires together. __________________ '83 K20-TPI '73 C10 '79 C10-ex-diesel(SOLD) '07 Tahoe(Son driving) '14 Suburban-DD '71 C10-current project

05-25-2011, 10:30 PM	#4
pritch Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hoytsville, Utah Posts: 3,365	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? Thanks, guys. LedZepp, that was the very thread I was talking about, I wasn't sure if my alt was the same as that one. __________________ '68 Panel Project Boogie Chillin' '68 C-10 Ol' Green

05-25-2011, 10:38 PM	#5
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,135	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? Great info. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

05-25-2011, 10:58 PM	#6
Flint70step Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Lake Travis,Texas Posts: 586	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? I recently did this to my truck and it works great.My headlights seem to be brighter too.I love this place __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super LWB 350/350 Factory A/C Tilt/Posi White/Med Red/White(on the way) 72 Custom Deluxe Burb(Arizona truck)Nice interior Great patina Project Patina Azul http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=467668

03-30-2014, 08:59 PM	#7
josephh1995 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Flaherty, ky Posts: 6	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? Im new to forums, so I noticed this thread is from 2011, but I believe it will fix my problem, I have a 1971 c-10 it has a 350 small cam, 4bb. It seems to have charging issues, I have taken out the 600 cranking amp battery and put in a 1000 cranking amp battery which helps it start now, it had a timing issue I think was the initial problem, it looks to have a new external regulator, I have put new grounds from the engine to the body and the frame to the body. With the new battery all the lights were bright and seemed to be doing well, But lately the lights, dash and all flicker, and on the way to work they all went dim and the voltage meter dropped from 14-15 to 11-12, I dont have a dash light that comes on when I turn the key, so not sure if the brown wire is hooked up right causing the regulator to burn up, or if its something else any ideas would be appreciated, I have the truck a month, its partially restored.

03-30-2014, 09:05 PM	#8
19673ontree CAN'T FIX NOTHIN Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SOUTHRUST VIRGINIA !!! Posts: 2,112	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? I have gotten spoiled with the new one wire high amp alternators , only tools required is a 1/2 and 9/16 wrench just bolt it on hook it to the hot post and you have amazing charging ! __________________ 1967 C10 Shortbed Fleetside Small back glass 6 cyl 3spd on the tree 3.08 gears underdash AC

03-30-2014, 09:19 PM	#9
josephh1995 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Flaherty, ky Posts: 6	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? What about the regulator, does it bypass that, and will a one wire be able to run all the lights and what not

03-30-2014, 11:45 PM	#10
tcoop68 tcoop68 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cushing Oklahoma Posts: 226	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? Classic Chevrolet in OKC oklama sales a kit to exclude your external regulator easy install and cheap

03-31-2014, 12:03 AM	#11
knomadd Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Rosenberg, Texas Posts: 3,506	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? Joseph, I believe all one wire alternators are internally regulated so the external regulator would not be necessary. I'm not 100% on that so check before you buy. If you buy a GM 10Si or 12Si type alternator, they are internally regulated so the external regulator is no longer needed or used. Most high output alternators are of this type or the newer CS130. Converting to a 10Si or 12Si is easier than a CS130, but one wires of any type are pretty easy too. I'm not so well versed in it that I can explain how it works, so do some research on swapping from external regulator to an internal regulated alternator. Like Tcoop68 said, there are even wiring kits for these swaps so you can leave all your factory wiring alone. __________________ -Duane C/10 Club Texas member 1971 Chevy C10 "Brutus" SWB Fleetside 2016 6.0L (L96) 6L90E (driver/project) 1965 Pontiac GTO "Royal Goat" 400/TH400 w/AC (my baby)

03-31-2014, 01:00 AM	#12
Already Gone 70+ ( Old Skool Club ) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada Posts: 9,068	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? subscribed __________________ 1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021

03-31-2014, 01:23 AM	#13
1969_CM2590D Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: VERSAILLES, KY Posts: 64	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? I'm the contrarian here. I was going to convert to internally regulated, but changed my mind. I took my standard 37 amp to a fellow near Louisville who rebuilds old auto electrics for restorers to get a price. For $100, my old alternator has double the juice (75 amps) thanks to the new stator he put in, as well as all new guts and a nice refinishing. I know 75 would be thin for a lot of trucks with plenty of gizmology in them, but mine- in addition to having manual everything- lacks not just a radio, but a lighter as well. All I plan on adding are a couple of power ports for the phone and a Bluetooth stereo speaker (with Google Music, I'll never buy another CD!). Therefore I should have plenty of juice. So I asked him about a new voltage regulator. I was told to get the top of the line from NAPA, not the cheap or middle range ones. If you go cheap he said, the alternator may burn up when it fails. Makes me wonder if this isn't a problem when a VR is replaced. There was one more thing he said before I left, "You know you can get a cheaper one from NAPA, or convert, as oppsed to restoring- but you won't get that part number on it...." __________________ Dennis Nichols 1969 GMC C2500 305E V-6 *The Mule* 1986 Toyota 4Runner 1959 MG MGA Coupe

03-31-2014, 09:25 AM	#15
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,703	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? ....Have a look. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=622743 .................. http://www.google.com/custom?domains...D%3A1%3B&hl=en __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative. Last edited by VetteVet; 03-31-2014 at 09:35 AM.

03-31-2014, 10:14 AM	#16
67 chevelle Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: WEST PALM FLORIDA Posts: 1,174	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? This is a good read for anyone considering these modifications http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml __________________ 68 Long Fleet , ly6 , turbo 350 , 3-5 drop , original paint , front discs 67 Small window , 7 foot bed , tweaked 6.0 LSX 2004R Medium Olive 58 Apache fleet , 235 , offy intake , dual exhaust , 4 on the floor , red/white 69 Long Fleet , Custom , 6.0, 4l60 , AC , Medium Olive



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03-31-2014, 11:01 AM	#17
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? If your truck has any mods done to it in the electric area this mod is a must. The stock setup is fine for a stock truck only and at 40 years old it's seen it's better days. I did the mod several years ago and it has been nice seeing at night again. For no other reason but for lights it's worth it. I took the amp gauge out and put the voltmeter in it's place. Well worth it. Mine runs 14.5 volts at idle. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-31-2014, 08:39 PM	#18
josephh1995 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Flaherty, ky Posts: 6	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? Ok thanks for the info, I do wanna switch to a 3 wire setup rather than a one wire, from researching it a 3 wire seems more capable of handling more electrical components, but my concern is that I do the upgrade and have issues with overcharging or undercharging, because I have an aftermarket volt guage, and there doesnt seem to be an amperage dash light, not sure if it has one or just that it doesnt work and the factory volt gauge is not hooked up. Is there a way to check the brown wire to see if it works or put a resistor on it, so that it will tell the altenator what to do, I thought I seen a link where some one hooked up a light to the sensing wire and it worked. Or should I run a new sensing wire and where would I run it, some are calling it an altenator exciting wire. Any help would be great, I am doing the 3 wire switch tomorrow, but I think the overall problem is the altenator sensing wire.

03-31-2014, 08:45 PM	#19
josephh1995 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Flaherty, ky Posts: 6	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? Good point, I do want to keep the truck stock as possible looking, but I need it dependable as well. Im the same as you, im leaving the factory radio and using a bluetooth speaker from my iphone so, im not concerned with using to much power, but if a three wire will make it more driveable and dependable then I think that would be better off. Not sure at this point because I cant figure out whats wrong with it, other than the sensing wire is shorted.

04-01-2014, 12:24 AM	#20
tim21391 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salina, Kansas Posts: 1,998	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? Gm one wires I've read are shorted internally from the manufacture on purpose that is internally regulated so whenever the engines running it's charging regardless and no need for external regulator __________________ 1972 C-10...402/400..flowmaster 40 series 1967 Mustang 347 stroker/C-4 1966 Mustang 289/3-speed 2013 Mustang V6/6speed w/300 ponies I may be 23, but i sure do knows 67-72s are sexy! Its not MPG its smiles per gallon! build started 11/25/08 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2993796

04-01-2014, 10:23 AM	#22
josephh1995 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Flaherty, ky Posts: 6	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? [QUOTE=josephh1995;6606015]Ok well that may be the route I go, one wire alt, I had oriellys test the alt that is on it and they said it was the regulator, so I put a new one on it, as soon as I started it, it fried the new voltage regulator, so guess ill research one wire regulators and see how to install a one wire alt, will this eliminate the overcharging issue?

07-28-2016, 07:51 PM	#23
Tntruckowner Registered User Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: SpringCity Posts: 37	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? Nobody answered his question how to get rid of the voltage regulator

07-29-2016, 12:09 AM	#25
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,571	Re: How to delete the external voltage regulator? Is there a different way the one wire alternators are done? The link appears to talk about 3 wire alternators. Advantages/disadvantages for one wire vs. 3 wire? Is it only the one wire alternators that won't start charging until revved to a certain RPM, or all internally regulated ones that way?

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