Charging to much. How do I replace the voltage regulator?

Hi guys.

I discovered sizzling noises from the battery in my -74 bay with 1600 AS engine. I guess the voltage regulator in the generator isn't doing its job anymore. Tried loosening the strap and the two small flathead screws to pull out the regulator, but the thing does not budge. How I do I get it out? And where do I find a replacement? The ones I find at vwheritage looks more modern.

 

Sizzling noises?!
Have you checked the voltage being delivered by the alternator using a multimeter?

 

Yes, too high voltage and the battery is fried.

 

Your battery is likely to be dead.

Try prising up the flap (or they may be another screw hiding somewhere - mine has three). It should spring up under pressure of the brushes. It is pretty straight forward.

Disconnect your battery -ve, if you haven't done so - assume you have. The main B+ cable runs straight from the battery.

 

Yes, the battery is out and not going back in.
I've also seen other regulators with three screws, but can't find more than two on mine. I'll check once more when I pull the car out of winter storage. Thanks for your comments.

 

The three screw fixing ones are usually externally regulated , they have three tags on the top of the removable panel.

The strap has nothing to do with the regulator/brush cover, it wont release the alternator by itself.
Its extreme faff to get the whole alternator out without taking the engine out. Theres a logical but mechaniclally difficult one of taking the fan off in situ. Need a lot of torque , even a rattle gun. The other way involves removing the carburettor and inlet manifold, removing the thermostat, raising the fan housing, removing the alternator stand and then removing alternator and fan together.

Try harder prising the panel off, try a thin screwdriver near the screw holes.

You are totally sure its the regulator and not a problem with a float charger over winter? Did you check the voltage when it was fizzing ?

 

Is it out yet ? I'd wait until it's out before buying a replacement.

When replacing the regulator (I'm assuming yours is internal), you reuse the top plate. What you buy is just the gubbins that goes underneath it.

 

Pic of a naked (internal) regulator. Brushes on left, extension tab for alt light output on right.

 

Now it is out!

First i installed a new battery. Started her up. Measured 14 v at idle. Raised the RPMs, and measured 17,6. Shut her down. Towed her home from winter storage. Got my super flashlight into the engine compartment, and found the third screw. Not visible at first due to years of fine dust covering the screw. But the bright light helped.

 

Your old brushes look a bit...careworn. Should be fine when it’s all back together.

 

Thanks, Snotty.

Cleaned:

 

State of the brush surfaces.

 

You are going to replace it?

 

Yes, when I find a new regulator. Local car parts store does not have these anymore. Gotta find a vw specialist.

 

Or GSF, that's where mine came from....

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

 

Thanks. Good advice. The have a 60% discount too at the moment.

 

New regulator installed, and charging 13,7-13,8 now. Thanks for all comments/input.