53 Hornet Regulator

50SuperFalcon
50SuperFalcon Member
in HUDSON
I took my hornet out for thanksgiving on a 400 mile round trip and had no problems for the first 200 on my way down and on my way back the regulator started to not work . I limped it home and tinkered with it a bit but when the key is in the off position the dummy light stays on .

I have spoke to a few folks in my chapter and they said to just make sure the battery is disconnected ( a knife switch). My regulator has been a pain in my … well you get the point . I had a friend pick up some old ones from some junk yard cars of the same vintage(Hudson stepdowns) 

my question is , the regulator that is labeled ,out of the two ,is a 25 amp and the other is unlabeled. I have a 35 amp in the car now and it’s on its way out . What do I do ? Use the 25 amp or try the mystery model? Or continue with possibly getting left dead?(not my favorite option)
the same trip is being made for Christmas. With driving around the area it will total to some 500 miles
thanks In advance for all assistance! 
Blake 

Comments

  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Do  you have the polarity correct?  It must be positive ground.  It is more likely to be the generator at fault.  You need to get the whole system thoroughly checked before chucking another regulator at it.   
  • 50SuperFalcon
    50SuperFalcon Member
    @Geoff yes it is positive ground . 
    I had the polarity correct , I drive the car weekly . I don’t see why it would change. 
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Worn generator brushes perhaps.

  • 50SuperFalcon
    50SuperFalcon Member
    last I looked at them when I cleaned up the gen they seemed to be nice and long , and that was 2 months ago
  • eddiehudson
    eddiehudson Senior Contributor, Member
    edited December 2021
    Check the wiring at both the regulator and the ignition switch. While you're at it, clean the regulator points.
  • 50SuperFalcon
    50SuperFalcon Member
    All wire has been replaced with proper gauge and points cleaned a week ago. Ignition is good.plan on driving the old gal tomorrow so we’ll see if I need to be rescued. I’ll bring a jumper batt just in case
  • superwasp
    superwasp Member
    Blake, have you checked voltage while running? What happened while driving, did you lose power or did the light come on? I agree on testing the generator and regulator as a pair. It's really important they're tested and adjusted together. 
  • 50SuperFalcon
    50SuperFalcon Member
    I’m not to sure how to do that.
    The power while driving was fine , I was getting no charge and the dummy light would come on in the key off position . So when I would go to start it wouldn’t even click. I have been fine for that past few days. But the charging cool in the reg is still sticking closed when I turn the car off.
  • superwasp
    superwasp Member
    I'd find a good alternator shop that rebuilds alternators and starters. Ask them if they have anyone who does generators and have them bench test the generator and regulator as a pair. They can tell you if that regulator is still viable. Have them clean the generator and hone the rotor too. That will often give you back some lost output performance.
    There is a procedure in the service manual to adjust the regulator in the car, but I've found it cumbersome and really easy to under/over adjust the contacts. A good shop can do that very quickly and probably only charge you 20.00 or so. It's worth it just from a time perspective alone. 

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