More likely cause is worn alternator brushes, second most likely is the
alternator itself, and the regulator is only a distant third.

The regulator can be removed without removing the alternator, just rebove
the two screws that hold the regulator onto the alternator, and 'tilt' it
out... you can't pull it straight out, because the two spring-loaded
brushes are soldered to it, and contact rotating parts inside the alternator.

If the brushes are worn, new brushes can be soldered onto the regulator (if
you are handy with solder and have a large soldering iron). Alternatively,
new regulators some with new brushes already attached... A new regulator
with new brushes is cheaper than a rebuilt alternator, and will eliminate
two possible causes at one stroke... and if it doesn't solve the problem,
you'll need a new or rebuilt alternator, but you'll have a good spare
regulator for next time. Just make sure you put the *old* regulator with
the worn brushes back into your old alternator before sending it in as a core.

Tim

At 07:21 AM 8/15/2005 -0700, Nate Saylor wrote:
>So my battery and oxs dash lights have always come on under startup and
>stayed on until my van gets about 1500 rpms at which point they used to
>shut off.  Now they will occasionally stay on for up to ten minutes.  My
>voltmeter also reads 12V when these lights are on.  I'm guessing it's
>something with the alternator... Voltage Reg perhaps???  Any suggestions?
>
>Nate
>'84 Frustralia