Voltage regulator

[billybob]

Hi All,

Need some advice, last weekend i was changing the Oil filter and Oil, and decided to take a look at the voltage regulator at the end. removed the regulator off the alternator and found that one of the two prongs was shorter than the other, by about a 1cm.

My questions are: what is the voltage regulator there for? also would this difference impact on anything electrical? such as ignition, general electrics etc.

Many thanks!

BB

 

[television]

You have it off (brush pack) why not fit a new one they only cost around £9 from Bosch or GSF.

You will not see any change as the old one was working

 

[wireman]

The regulator sets the voltage at which the generator provides electrical power. It is set to give 14.4 ish volts, the voltage at which lead acid batteries are safely and correctly charged, the actual voltage is temperature dependent and the actual voltage will fall in hotter weather.

As television sugests put a new one in, your description is of one with worn brushes and not much life left.

 

[billybob]

Will do, thanks for clearing up the issue.

BB

 

[Jim Lambert]

Did you know that the earlier Bosch alternators on 110 engines with the rectangular unmarked regulators will accept Motorcraft or Hella regulators? After spending a day trying to find a new regulator (No number on the box, can`t help you sir) was inspired by the mention of Ford Commercial bits being old generation Bosch copies. Grabbed an alternator from an Escort circa 1980 and lo! it fitted. Check the depth of the brush holder against the original, don`t panic about the tiny round electronic unit replacing the big old box. More air can get in! Too many people replace an alternator when only the regulator needs changing. Okay, so if the thing makes grinding noises it`s a changeover, but if the battery suddenly stops charging it`s a sight easier to whip out the regulator and replace. Two screws and ten minutes later (sorry, obscenity rules may apply here) you are back in business.

 

[television]

Yes that is the best way to go, changing the brush pack is not part of MB service, its a new alternator

 

['89 250TD]

Can someone tell me what's the wear limit on the brushes for '89 250TD Bosch alternator...

Haynes manual helpfully details how to measure remaining brush material & says wear limit is in 'Specifications' but I can't find it...

 

[television]

I do not know if you will find this info, they only cost about £14 to buy from Bosch

 

['89 250TD]

OK no prob... fitted a new one anyway but the old brushes didn't seem to be too worn...

Mark