Voltage Regulator replacement --- Easy
 

Low voltage readings lead me to believe my regulator was worn out. As you can see it REALLY was.

I figured I needed to replace it as I am now using seat heaters, high intensity headlights, an amp and woofer, and sometimes rear window defrost. all of which draw a lot of power.

replacement involved unscrewing two screws and putting the new one in.

the tricky part was accessing one of the screws which is blocked by the pipe with the red peice on it - as you can see.

I used a long thin flat head screw driver at a slight angle and was able to get it out. it was tricky though.

Thanks for the helpful pics. Mine were less that half the length at which you replaced yours however. But better safe than sorry. This problem stranded me 3 hours from home once before I was 'up to date' on repairs.

Don

I wonder if I should maybe replace mine, just incase mine is bad. I had my alternator checked about 9 months ago, and the place said it was fine, but I have my doubts. I guess I can't go wrong for $20...

Thanks for the push I need to get mine done :) . My new regulator has been sitting on my workbench for three weeks :rolleyes:

Hotrod Your BOSCH Alternator
 

Enjoy


http://www.turbobricks.org/mods.php?content=alternator_ext-reg

Eric,
Put new brushes on your old regulator and keep it as a spare. It'll cost about $5 for the brushes and take 15 minutes to solder up. You can find brushes at an auto electric shop or sometimes at a good hardware store. By the way, that red cap covers one of the valves used to charge the A/C.
LRG

GREAT idea! thanks!

Fastlane has a generic 'german' voltage reg. and a bosch... bosch is 3X as expensive.... get the bosch or get the generic?

I like supporting Fastlane more than anyone.

Even so, I bought my BOSCH regulator at www.*************** for $35 shipped.

Thanks for the website. BUT if I can spend 17 bucks on it rather than 35.... If the cheap one is a piece of trash then I won't put it in my car, but is it?

I bought one of the cheap K.A.E. regulators and installed it. Lasted about 5 months and then left me stranded. Only getting about 11 volts. Put the Bosch back in and everything was fine. I paid about 20 for the KAE. I wish I had spent the $$ extra for a Bosch regulator.

Just my .02 cents.

Beautiful, thank you! That is an account I was looking for.

Now I will spend the extra cash on a real regulator before my orig. fails.

Anyone else done the motorcraft mod?

I replaced mine with the Bosch. My original lasted 150,000 miles so if I get another 150,000 out of the new one the slight cost difference isn't a big deal. On the other hand, if money is an issue, why not just replace the brushes on your old unit. Then you'll still have the Bosch and only be out a few $$.

What type of voltage regulator comes on 1985's?
 

I bought voltage regulator off buymb************ and they sent me the external box style, which was incorrect. they tell me that both types work on the car, and my car probably has had an upgraded alternator.

my mechanic however siad they stopped putting external regulators on in 1979.

*************** wants to charge me 29% to restock the part that they sent incorrectly. that's why im curious, because they insist that the external one is also applicable for my 1985 300TD.

who's right?

ps- the one pictured above is correct, i got it from my mechanic

eric