[Jdthomas625]

I have a 56’ Chevy 3100 and just recently went to go crank it and it was dead. Went to charge the battery and as soon as I did the voltage regulator started buzzing. I’m assuming that means it’s bad? Any ideas on where to start to see if it’s a bad regulator(already have a new one) or if the wiring caused it to go bad? I’m planning on redoing the wiring since it’s mostly original and pieced together. The truck is a 12v system and all I’ve found on the voltage regulators for it are for the 6v generators… is there a real need for it on this truck?

 

[RWENUTS]

Easier and in the long run deal would be a swap to an internal regulator type alternator.
You’ll likely prefer one when you rewire the truck.

You got any more pics of the truck and motor.

 

[Jdthomas625]

I have a 56’ Chevy 3100 and just recently went to go crank it and it was dead. Went to charge the battery and as soon as I did the voltage regulator started buzzing. I’m assuming that means it’s bad? Any ideas on where to start to see if it’s a bad regulator(already have a new

View attachment 623691

Easier and in the long run deal would be a swap to an internal regulator type alternator.
You’ll likely prefer one when you rewire the truck.

You got any more pics of the truck and motor.

Any suggestions on alternators?

 

[RWENUTS]

Not sure but here’s a link for you.
Should find info in there.
Your truck jogs me back 40 years when I put togethor a 56 like that.
‘Mine ended up with a blown 427.
Thanks for the pics.

Electrical forum faqs by vettevet - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Electrical forum faqs by vettevet Electrical

67-72chevytrucks.com

 

[LATECH]

SWEET

 

[BogiesAnnex1]

Shortest distance between A and B is a 3 wire Delcotron. You can disconnect the old mechanical regulator and leave it in for visual effect.

Bogie

 

[95 Truck]

Cool truck

 

[Jdthomas625]

Not sure but here’s a link for you.
Should find info in there.
Your truck jogs me back 40 years when I put togethor a 56 like that.
‘Mine ended up with a blown 427.
Thanks for the pics.

Electrical forum faqs by vettevet - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Electrical forum faqs by vettevet Electrical

67-72chevytrucks.com

Thank you sir! Some good info in that forum. Helps a lot

 

[Jdthomas625]

Cool truck

Thank you

 

[Jdthomas625]

Shortest distance between A and B is a 3 wire Delcotron. You can disconnect the old mechanical regulator and leave it in for visual effect.

Bogie

Thank you! I’m gonna go with the integrated alternator and clean up the fire wall when I do it. Would the 3 wire be better than a single wire integrated one?

 

[Benb]

Any suggestions on alternators?
View attachment 623692
View attachment 623694
View attachment 623693

I use a plain old GM one wire. Volt meter instead of amp gauge. I connected the alternator to the bat wire/connection at the regulator then unhooked the "in" connection at the amp gauge and hooked same to "out' stud.
Been that way for 12 years.

Ben

 

[BogiesAnnex1]

Thank you! I’m gonna go with the integrated alternator and clean up the fire wall when I do it. Would the 3 wire be better than a single wire integrated one?

I like the 3 wire simply because it is less sensitive to engine RPM to get itself excited. Nothing wrong with a one wire as long as you realize that some of them need you to goose the throttle to get them delivering electrons.


Bogie

 

[Jdthomas625]

I like the 3 wire simply because it is less sensitive to engine RPM to get itself excited. Nothing wrong with a one wire as long as you realize that some of them need you to goose the throttle to get them delivering electrons.


Bogie

Thank you! I found a one wire that cuts in at around 800 RPM. Gonna give it a shot and see what happens lol

 

[Jdthomas625]

I use a plain old GM one wire. Volt meter instead of amp gauge. I connected the alternator to the bat wire/connection at the regulator then unhooked the "in" connection at the amp gauge and hooked same to "out' stud.
Been that way for 12 years.

Ben

Thank ya! I’m gonna go the one wire route and see how it does

 

[U_Boat]

Whatever you do, DON'T try "poke and hope" by blindly tweaking the adjustments in the regulator. The end result is often a burned up wiring harness and/or generator.

 

[Jdthomas625]

What’s the best way to adjust it?

 

[alwill923]

Catalog

 

[U_Boat]

You need the proper manual and the right tools (multimeter, contact burnisher and sometimes a set of load resistors). Follow the procedure exactly, don't assume that any step is close enough.
OR get a 1 wire alternator. The ones that look like a generator / early alternator are available if period looks are your thing. Leave the regulator and dead-end the wires.