16,2 Volts is a bit too much

[Reuhkapelti]

Hi again. I installed a volt meter to the dash, and after starting the engine I
noticed over charging to the battery. 16,2 Volts measured from the battery terminals at 2000 rpm. Went and bought a new alternator, installed it only to realize over charging continues. At this time I found out that -70 LeMans still uses an external voltage regulator.
So is there any other possibility to fix this than put a new samekind of VR to the firewall? It looks very antique system, imho.

Then another thing. The wires between the alternator and fusebox and starter are quite messy. Is there an easy and "painless" wire system available for my car? Would need the fusebox and some wires under the good, but dont need wires for clima and power windows-seats-locks 'coz dont have them. Also lights work ok.

Thanks,

Ismo

 

[melsg5]

this article documents how to go from external to interal regulator. Normally the wires you are describing are wrapped in tape from the factory, you can do the same or run through split tubing made for that purpose.

http://www.wallaceracing.com/alt-conversion.html

 

[Reuhkapelti]

Ok thanks again for your advise. Well I ordered a repro regulator and it seems to resolve this matter for now. I'm measuring 14,8 from the Battery and also from the generator, engine running. Moving to internal V-regu version sounds even better though, so after I've managed to slip the indash rpm- tach in and other nessessary items, it's on the to-do-list again. An original center console arrived from the States, it needs alot of tlc, but it's much better than my diy version..

I wonder if there should be a good ground lead from the engine to the chassis too? Now there's only the negative lead from the Battery to the engine block.

Thanks,

Ismo

 

[melsg5]

The catalogue from www.amesperf.com lists the chasis ground straps.

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[Reuhkapelti]

A new ground lead solved this problem, 14,2V at 1300 rpm or more. When idle, it droppes but I think the new set of H4 headlights are too much for the 55 amps generator. I'll take the inner bulbs off and see if that makes any difference. Thanks,

-Ismo

 

[Reuhkapelti]

Now I've driven over 400 miles with my Ponu, enjoying every one of them. Charging works great with the inner H4 head lights cut off. I even installed new thick wires direct from the battery to the bulbs with separate relays and fuses for each side. I'll look for a more powerful alternator later, and convert the system to internal V-reg too. Now it's time to drive and enjoy the summer...

 

[melsg5]

Excellant!