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Voltage Output Question

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60Bugeyefan

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Car has been sitting for a couple of weeks. Today while driving I noticed that the voltage meter was registering 15-16 volts generator output which seems high. Does the voltage regulator needs adjusting or is this normal?
 
That's way too high. What kind of meter are you using? I ask because digital meters can give an erroneous reading in auto electrical systems (because there's a lot of electrical noise, which the digital meter doesn't like). Use an analog meter, which is what most of the automotive meters are.

You might be able to adjust the regulator (see the shop manual--it's easy) or it might be fried.
 
Or simply check the ground to the regulator from the generator. The way regulators work is they have to sense a proper voltage....usually a very high charge voltage is due to a failed or corroded grounding wire.

Using a voltmeter to check for voltage potential between ground lug on regulator and case of generator while running will tell you. Should be zero point zero zero zero and maybe a tad after that.
 
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