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

After searching the boards for this topic, I can't find any info on testing a voltage regulator.

I had been noticing my new battery having a little acid coming out from the first cell, and driving yesterday for the first time I realized my gauge was nearly pegged on C at cruise. It jumps around the middle at idle.

Does this sound like the regulator is not doing it's job? How do I test it?

Thanks!

Ooops. I retract that question.

Just checked my battery, and it read 4.5v. That may explain why I thought I needed a new solenoid. Charging battery now, will check gen output when I start her.

Still good to know regulator test procedure anyway, so feel free to answer that query.

Have you looked through this site's Literature and Manuals archive?

Serviceman's Training Book: Scientific Diagnosis

...though written for 1951, might provide some insight.

I did a search, and nothing came up.

Here is a good manual on Autolite generator/regulators. If you have Delco, some details would be slightly different but principles would still apply.

https://www.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/AutoliteGenerators.pdf

Just read the Scientific Diagnosis document. I think I would need to go to school and spend thousands on equipment to utilize the information.

Thanks, Howard. I think I can digest that.