[encantotom]

an update.

the hex screw in the voltage regulator is a plug to cover the hole. i took it out and the screw to adjust the voltage is inside and is a small flat screwdriver adjustment.

i used the vmspc as the voltage measurement.

when i started the voltage was 13.0v at low idle and 13.1v at high idle. sometimes previously it would dip down to 12.9v

to start with the screw slot was pointing at 1pm. 13.0v low idle 13.1v high idle

i adjusted the screw to 3pm (i was told it was sensitive) and now it was 13.4v both high and low idle

i adjusted the screw to 6pm and now it was 13.7v low idle and 13.8v high idle.

i talked to richard and he said that was right in the proper range.

so i put the hex screw cap back in and rechecked the voltage and it showed the same yet.

now my question is this. what does this mean? since i adjusted the voltage up almost a volt, does it mean that the brushes are 1/2 worn or something else is worn to some amount? any indication of if this adjustment shortens the life of the alternator in any way? or is it an indication of how long the alternator is going to last?

i am full of questions and looking for some guidance. i will try and call an truck alternator shop this week sometime.

any knowledge from you all?

tom