Lazy 356 Voltage Regulator

Message

Glen Getchell · #1 Post by **Glen Getchell** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 2:14 pm

I've got a voltage regulator that was a sleep on the job last night. I need to know if this is a one time thing or a soon to reoccur problem.

Last evening we went to a local Porsche dealer to see the RS Spyder that won Sebring (Don't tell anyone, but we actually went for the free food and booze). Anyway, I thought I'd take "IRA" the Karma Roadster to show them what a "Real" open top Porsche looks like. It started to pour while we were there. I drove approx. 12 miles home with the headlights and wipers on. First time since owning the car that I drove any length of time with them both on. As I waited for the garage door to open the car died (They always get you home. But for some reason they always want to dramatically show you that they want above average attention by not making it all the way into the driveway or the garage.) I did not even know I had a problem till it croaked. Dead battery! Jumped it, pulled it into the garage and put it on the charger. Two months ago I adjusted the voltage regulator then had it professionally checked with better guages then mine, and it was about as close to on the money as we were going to get. Today with a charged battery I tested the charging system again. At first the guage barely moved. It was not charging. I pulled the cover on the regulator and noticed nothing moved when I reved the car up. I kept reving the car up and down, then suddenly the voltage regulator decided to start moving. Now it looks like it is charging correctly (around 7 volts. A little over 6 volts with wipers and lights on). What gives? Obviously I am having a little trust issue. I'm not really thrilled with the prospects of showing a good charging system on the guages only to be left in B.F.E. at night in the next surprise rain storm. Is there a reason why this regulator apparently was asleep at the wheel last night? Is this a warning? Has it bit the dust? Thanks!

Glen
64-Cx2

Joe Leoni · #2 Post by **Joe Leoni** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:38 pm

Glen,
Your regulator should be adjusted.
The small regs can't be adjusted for current limits.
Is this an original reg on your T6?
What is the current value marked on the reg.?

The voltage shouldn't be down to a 6 volt level with just wipers and lights.
Looks like you are into current limit with lights and wipers.
Is there other lights besides the headlights?

What is the water level in the battery?
Or is it an Optima? Are you using a battery maintainer?
Was the red light on? Does it work?
Joe

Al Zim · #3 Post by **Al Zim** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 7:31 pm

I would check your generator brushes they need to be a the top of the holder and move easily. sometimes you can give them a spray of light oil and everything will come to life. al zim

Joe Leoni · #4 Post by **Joe Leoni** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 7:57 pm

Glen,
We all mean well, but never, not ever, use oil or any silicon product in the area of the brushes or commutator.
You still haven't commented on the red gen warn light.

Al makes a point, and that is check the brushes for length.
New 3/4 inch, time to change, 7/16 inches.
The bottom brush wears fastest. Replace with Bosch, they last longer.

If you want to confirm this, remove the brush cover, and reach around and under, pushing up on the brush.
If the red light goes out, this usually is short brushes.

Was the red light on?
Joe

Rick Woltz · #5 Post by **Rick Woltz** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 2:37 am

Sorry Al, but I have to TOTALLY DISAGREE. I have worked over 30 years in the
elevator trade keeping DC motors and generators serviced. Contaminating the
commutator surface will haunt you for a very long time if you do this,
possibly until you replace the generator. I recommend blowing it out and
snapping the brushes. The brushes must be free in the holders, NO OIL OF ANY
KIND should be used or they will get sticky.
Rick
A59D

-----Original Message-----
From: Al Zim [mailto:al@allzim.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2008 1:32 PM
To: 356talk@356registry.com
Subject: [356Talk] Re: Lazy 356 Voltage Regulator

I would check your generator brushes they need to be a the top of the holder
and move easily. sometimes you can give them a spray of light oil and
everything will come to life. al zim

------------------------
al zim
Zim's Autotechnik
800.356.2964

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Joe Leoni · #6 Post by **Joe Leoni** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 5:15 pm

Glen,
I have been thinking.
since the red light isn't on and the battery is down, then it can be the CO contacts in the regulator.
These are the right most set of contacts.
Be careful when cleaning,
The battery must be disconnected to avoid the contacts from welding.
Pull a calling card between the contacts, or if you have a burnishing tool,
use that.
Good luck,
Joe

James Penland · #7 Post by **James Penland** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 9:55 am

I did weld the points and there was lots of smoke, too. No battery connection! This is a test of my system, too. jp

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