Generator question

[1303S_74]

Sorry for double post, wasn't aware that I was in the Ghia part until I posted..

Background:
-71 T1 with a generator.
No charging except for a brief moment at start up, up to a minute or so, after that flickering gen-light, light increase in strength with increasing rpm.
When measuring with all things running I get 3-4 volts from the generator.

The generator runs as motor when 12V is applied to D+ and DF (DF grounded to gen-chassie) and the regulator is disconnected.

Here comes the real question:
All guides I read says there should be peak 30-35V when the generator runs unloaded at high rpms (regulator off, DF grounded to generator chassie, measure between D+ and DF, revving up from idle during a few seconds).

I get 70+ volts. No tacho so the rpms was at "highway speed" by feeling..
Measuring error (cheap voltmeter but I doubt it), faulty generator or ok value?
I don't want to buy a new regulator and fry that due to excessive voltage..

Thankful for all input!

[Marc]

Y'know, I've never held a generator at full field long enough to actually measure the voltage so I can't say. Using an analog voltmeter, I'd hold the engine RPM up to ~2000 then momentarily ground DF with a jumper, pulling it away the instant I saw the needle swing past ~20V. I suppose with a digital meter you have to keep the field grounded long enough for the display to settle down to a readable value, but I wouldn't want to do that for more than a few seconds.

There's nothing likely to go wrong inside a generator that would make it capable of producing excessive voltage with the proper field applied, so I'd have no qualms about fitting a new regulator.

[misterman]

You said the gen produces 12vdc with d and df but poops out with regulator controll... Id say you answered ur question.

Check your batt connections for a good ground first. Then check the main "+" and every splice under the seat. If it all reads 12v check the resistance of some plauseable sources.

As far as ur checkn the gen free spin... Thats not a total answer. And really means alot of things.

Check ur connections. Make sure the gen AND voltage reg has GREAT grounds and nice 12v.

[1303S_74]

Just an update: (hate when ppl don´t follow up on their questions.. )

Replaced the regulator a few weeks ago and haven't seen the problem since.
Hopefully it stays that way but I'm a bit on needles as the original problem was intermittent..

Tnx for the feedback.