Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Just installed fourth voltage regulator.
Echlin VR45. Hope it works.

Four different brands, but appeared identical. Previous "Standard Ignition" cutout failed. First two unreliable charging control.

I would stockpile OEM Autolite if found.

Brillman makes quality ones guaranteed for a year.

Usually, when you change a part and use several different brands and get the same failure, something else is wrong. Could be wiring, generator, or gauge, etc..
My friend went through 6 alternators on his truck and I asked him why the service guys hadn't caught on to look for something else. I'd been collecting scalps after 2!
Make sure you read the procedure and properly polarize.

Two were unreliable charging. One was cut off stopped working.

I have modern gel batteries. They went bad, so kept demanding juice from the generator via the VR, which burned it out. This is less likely with acid batteries.

Also the VR needs a strong ground. If the ground screw to the cowl is loose or not metal on metal, painted or rusted surfaces, that causes VR problems, too.

"Unreliable charging" isn't very informative if you wanted us to start thinking about diagnoses. If that's what you wish, I'd want to verify that the regulators that failed were properly matched to the specific generator. Also, still positive ground? System polarized after installation? Good solid grounds?

Thanks. All work done by one of the most experienced mechanics for collector cars in Florida, so sure the voltage regulators were defective.
First one kept generator from suffiently charging, but don't recall details. Second one would not allow generator to charge after cold start until after about 10 miles suddenly went to max charge on ammeter. Ammeter would previously show discharge with lights on.
Third one after about 100 miles, cut off control failed when car shut down, with obvious results.
Hope the new one works. Would buy NOS as standby if available.