tr4 generator/ battery voltage

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boxbiker:
I have been driving the tr since the weather cooled down and I have noticed the battery needs charging from time to time. The battery was 6 years old so I replaced it and then checked the voltage at the battery with a volt meter. Also, when I am driving it looks like the amp meter barely moves.The volt meter shows 12.4 even when I rev the motor up. I am thinking that either the generator or voltage regulator are bad.

Is there a quick and easy way to check them?

TR3driver:
Easiest way to check, IMO, is to drive it to the nearest O'Reillys or Autozone.  They will check out both the battery and the charging system, for free.  Sears used to do it too, but last time I went there, they charged a minimal amount (like $10) which could be used as credit towards the price of a new battery.

But if you would rather do it yourself, there are some step-by-step instructions at
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B2H2NJt34OffNTc3ODkwYzAtYjRlYS00NDNmLWI0YTYtNjY5ZjQxZTA2NGFm&hl=en_US

Oh, and only 12.4 when you rev it up means that either the battery is pretty badly run down (and the ammeter should be showing roughly 20 amps charge), or the generator/control box is not working properly.  You should also be able to see 20 amps or more every time you start the engine.

OTOH, cleaning and adjusting the VR contacts may be all that is required to fix it.

boxbiker:
I looked at the vr and it looks like it could be original to the car so I'm going to replace it and recheck.Even if it is not bad now it looks like it could go soon.

herald948:
I wouldn't be too quick to toss the original voltage regulator. There are folks who can repair, adjust or even 'rebuild' these IF necessary...and the originals are (arguably) of better quality than the new ones. There are also folks who convert originals to a "solid-state" voltage regulator.

Just some thoughts....

TR3driver:
I agree entirely with Andy.  The originals do require some periodic maintenance in the form of cleaning and adjusting the contacts; but they otherwise last nearly forever.  I still have what I believe is the original box and generator on my 56 TR3.

And I've heard many, many stories of new units requiring adjustment (or being flat-out defective) right out of the box.  You can't just slap it on and assume it's good.

Obvious perhaps, but worth repeating : A defective or misadjusted control box can quickly ruin a good generator.  If you install a new box, you should immediately check its no-load voltage adjustment.  Because of the 2 bobbin design, that also sets the current limit.

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