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MGA charging voltage for mga generator

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bear2468

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hello!...my mga w/ a generator is 16.5 volts w/ the engine reved for maxium voltage output, this seems high??...if it is high how do i adjust the regulator to change it??....in my healey manual they talk about ambient temperature w/ different voltage readings depending on the temp??...thanks, dale
 
Dale - That is the correct voltage for batteries in the 50s and early 60s. Today's batteries should have 14.5 volts. You could fuss around with trying to adjust the regulator in your car, which may or may not be successful, or you can send the regulator to Bob Jeffers a and have him convert it to solid state and set it up for the proper voltage and current. See the articles voltage regulators in the Other Tech Articles section of my web site at: https://homepages.donobi.net/sufuelpumps/
Cheers,
 
Adjusting the control box (voltage regulator) is not a task for the meek. British Auto Electric in Anaheim, CA is my choice for rebuilding and calibrating these items. Quick turnaround and good results. He's a long-time MG owner, too.
 
Dave, I like the look of that web site. How long has it been up and running?
 
Hello Dave... does the charging voltage stay constant or will it drop if the battery is charged?

Thank you, Paul
 
I have never learned the art of control box (regulator) adjustments. At one time the MGA Guru website had a link to a business website where you could get a solid-state control box to replace the electromechanical one. I don't think that link works anymore. However, BP Northwest has started carrying a "digital" screw terminal control box which should appear correct for the MGA. See the product in the link below.

https://www.bpnorthwest.com/voltage-regulator-digital-lucas-screw-in-terminal.html

If I ever go back to a generator I may consider this product although I would have to use spade terminal adapters for my Mini's wiring harness.

EDIT: The product above is for negative ground only.
 
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