On my 1989 ea-82T gl i've recently developed the problem that the voltage in my car jumps up very high (18-19 volts) when reving up the car cold. It did not use to do this. This isn't so much of a problem cuz i;m not blowing fuses or anything, but every time my voltage hits about 15 volts my stereo amplifier shuts off:mad: As far as i know, this means my voltage regulator has gone south, thats the case on older cars any ways. Now i beleive they are part of the alternator. Is there any way to change it without replacing my alternator? or is there another source to my problem besides this?

i would agree that the volt reg is going out. compare price to a new VR or a different alternator.

 

you will have to take tha lternator apart to change the vr, but i havent had an alternator apart...

Agreed... voltage regulator.

 

This exact same thing happened to me. I went to Lynnwood pull-a-part and pulled an ea82 alternator for $8.50, ten minutes later in the parking lot and the problem was solved.

Haven't rebuilt a Soob alt, yet. But they are not that hard to do, hardest part is getting the nut in front of the pulley loosened. Well, parts availability figures in there too. Would recommend that you replace the brushes while you have it apart.

Pull a Part replacement is the least expensive fix; besides their unit is guaranteed for 30 days (keep the receipt). I've never priced an VR for an alternator, but I'll bet it's quite a bit more than $8.50. Brushes should be done as mentioned. Also, is there a significant amount of oil in the engine compartment and on the alternator? I don't know what the cause is, but I've had similar failures on three different cars when the alternator was covered in oil.

Wondering if someone could take out the internal voltage reg and install an external somewhere.

I've had 2 voltage regulators go out....... And I'm not about to rebuild a alternator

82 and earlier will have externally regulated alternators. try that for parts.

the externally regulated alternators will have a metal tab for a wire off the back

My '88 DL Wagon did the same thing. I noticed one night that when I revved the engine, the lights got really bright. Then one morning, before daybreak while on my way to work, both of my headlights blew. I pulled over, collected my thoughts, cleaned out my pants & flipped on my bright lights & started back home & they blew too! Pulled the alternator & had it checked & was close to 20 volts. The alternator had a lifetime warranty (had only been on the car for about 1 year) so I got it replaced for free. I also took the blown sealed beams & other lamps with me, & the auto parts house replaced all for free!! Not sure what caused all this to happen, but all ok afterwards. Be careful with overvoltage on alternator!! I would replace entire alternator & keep reciept. Pro'lly get one for around $50 from auto parts house. Most come with at least 12 month warranty.

I have been having the same problem... I assumed that both of the bulbs had went out (not knowing how old they were) but then I went to flip on the high beams to get home, and I only had one... Went out and bought some new bulbs, and in less than 24hrs. same thing happened. Thank you for the posts guys!

The alternator had a lifetime warranty (had only been on the car for about 1 year) so I got it replaced for free. I also took the blown sealed beams & other lamps with me, & the auto parts house replaced all for free!!

I'm with jimkup. In an attempt to be a good "old gen" owner, I now have the world's most frequently rebuilt/repaired alternator. I had mine "rebuilt" by a local shop as a preventative measure." ($75). Then the diodes in the "rectifier" failed. ($75). Then the diodes failed again ($46 because the shop did the work at "cost"). I don't really blame the shop. I probably contributed by jumping other people's cars and lawnmowers with my battery. This is just a horribly long way of suggesting: Find a new or rebuild with a "lifetime warranty" and pay the price. It's worth it.

I had the exact same thing on Mad Max 20+ volts

 

Put on a $12 Junkyard alt. and everythings happy!

 

Good Luck,

Glenn

82 SubaruHummer

84 GL Mad Max

01 Forester

Another possibility, though not likely, is a damaged, but not completely broken, fusible link. My car did that two years ago...would go to 19 or 20 volts sometimes, other times it worked fine, then it completely died. One of the fusible links had burned most of the way through, but was barely able to pass current, so the alternator cranked out a ton of volts to compensate...

Another note to Snowmans... Always check your fusible links when replacing an Alt. or Battery. I killed a perfectly good XT6 alt. because of bad/corroded fusible link.

ok so you guys are losing voltage regulators, why are they going? I have been driving and working on subs since the mid seventies and I have never had an alternator problem.(must be why I have 2-3 laying around) anyway what is causing this?

 

Jim