At 12:37 PM 9/4/2009, Steve Williams wrote:
>So, is it pretty easy to replace just the regulator on the
>road?  Somebody point me to a how-to?  (It's mounted on the
>alternator, right?)

Unless you want to remove the alternator (about five minutes to get
off if you've done it a few times, noticeably more to put it back, at
least if it's a new one) you need a right-angled #2 Phillips
screwdriver (they come with #1 on one end and #2 on the other) unless
by chance yours is like mine was and the screws are Torx.  It has to
rotate to clear the somewhat delicate brushes, but it will basically
fall out in your hand.  When replacing you have to rotate it back
into position and hold it there until you get one screw at least
finger-tight.  It grounds through one of the screws, so make sure
everything including both sides of the steel strap (you'll see what I
mean) is/are clean.

>Or should I bite the bullet and just get a whole alternator with the
>integrated regulator?

A spare regulator is a nice thing to have...but I had this problem
recently and ended up replacing the alternator.  Advance Auto doesn't
seem to mind if you keep your shiny new regulator when you swap in
the core.  I suspect it's the result of a shorted diode -- I'm not
sure if a large one or small one, or maybe either would do
it.  Didn't have time to explore the issue.

  --
David Beierl - Providence RI USA -- http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'89 Po' White Star "Scamp"