Oldsmobile 1116423 Regulator, Voltage

A discharged battery is often caused by a fault in the voltage regulator, so before testing the unit, check the drivebelt tension, test the battery's condition, and inspect the charging circuit for loose connections and broken wires. Ensure that lights or other electrical accessories are not inadvertently left switched on. Verify the generator indicator lamp for normal illumination with the ignition on and off, and with the engine idling. Disconnect the battery ground cable and the harness connector, then remove the screws securing the unit to the vehicle. Avoid cleaning the voltage regulator or field relay contacts with abrasive materials, as this can damage the contact material. Use a feeler gauge to check voltage regulator point and air-gap adjustments, ensuring the upper contacts open while the lower contacts just touch, making adjustments by carefully bending the upper contact arm and turning the nylon nut for air gap adjustments. The field relay point opening can be adjusted by bending the armature stop, with the air gap checked when the points are just touching and adjusted by bending the flat contact support spring. The field relay typically operates satisfactorily even if the air gap is outside specified limits and should not be adjusted if the system is functioning well. Installation follows the reverse of the removal procedure, ensuring the rubber gasket is in place on the regulator base.

A discharged battery is often caused by a fault in the voltage regulator, so before testing the unit, check the drivebelt tension, test the battery's condition, and inspect the charging circuit for loose connections and broken wires. Ensure that lights or other electrical accessories have not been inadvertently left switched on. Verify the generator indicator lamp for normal illumination with the ignition on and off, and with the engine idling and stationary. Disconnect the battery ground cable and the harness connector, then remove the screws securing the unit to the vehicle. Avoid cleaning the voltage regulator contacts with abrasive materials, as this can damage the contact material. Relay point and air-gap adjustments can be checked with a feeler gauge for approximate settings if needed. The field relay point opening can be adjusted by bending the stop, while the air gap is checked with the points just touching and adjusted by bending the flat contact spring. The field relay typically operates satisfactorily even if the air gap is outside specified limits, but adjustments should be made when the system is functioning well. Installation follows the reverse of the removal procedure, ensuring that the rubber gasket is in place on the regulator base.

Remove the alternator and mark the front and rear frames for reassembly. Take out the four bolts connecting the frames and separate them. Detach the stator from the rectifier bridge and remove the diode trio. Remove the brush holder and the voltage regulator. For installation, reverse the steps. When reinstalling the brush holder, press the brushes in, use a straightened paper clip to hold them, and only remove the clip once the frames are bolted together.