68 Impala charging problem

[brentbrewski]

I have a 68 Impala with a 307 in it. I have changed the voltage regulator from the old points type to an electronic one, and ever since my battery seems to discharge while the vehicle is running. The battery is new, the alternator is new and i have again changed the VR. Does someone know if the wiring harness which was in the old points type VR match up with the new electronic one? ie: F - Blue wire, 2 - white wire, 3 - orange wire and 4 - brown wire? From what i can trace the blue and white go to the alternator. HELP!

[Blue Bowtie]

Just to clarify, did you install an alternator with an internal electronic regulator, or some sort of external electronic regulator?

[brentbrewski]

The alternator i installed is the same as the original, no internal voltage regulator. The VR is seperate and is mounted near the driver side headlight. Thanks

[bobss396]

Do the time-honored acid test for a charge/no charge condition. With the car running, remove the negative battery terminal, if the car stalls, it is not charging.

Since you have wire match up concerns, I'd install the original type regulator first. You may want to get a charging system check done at a local shop or auto center. Sears used to do them free, but it shouldn't be that much and they should be able to isolate your problem.

Bob

[brentbrewski]

Thanks Bob, Did the acid test, she kept running. I'm not sure that i'd be able to find an original points type voltage regulator here in Canada, and i did have the system tested at the local garage and all seems well, go figure? Im still not secure that if i were to go out in the evening and have to use the lights etcetera, that i wouldn't be waiting on the side of the road with booster cables.

[Blue Bowtie]

The cool thing about the old contact point regulators is that they are adjustable. Drill the rivets, remove the cover, and adjust the spring tension on the regulation relay (not the field relay).

What is the current (no pun intended) charging voltage?

[brentbrewski]

13.6-14.2 volts

[bobss396]

13.6-14.1 volts is good for your car. If they checked it under load, you should be ok. I'd say give it a few days and keep a set of jumpers in the trunk. If it still drains the battery, you either have a bum battery (new ones can be defective) or a something drawing the battery down. If you can swap a "known to be good" battery in, give that a shot.

Bob

[brentbrewski]

Thanks Again BOB, much appreciated!

Brent