I decided to replace my voltage regulator before it said goodbye. I'm glad that I did, since the brushes were worn well past what I would have considered to be in the safe range. I deduced that I was nearing the end of the brush life, because occasionally, the voltmeter would dip closely to the low limit, especially with the lights on and the A/C in operation. This morning, I decided to install the new regulator/brush pack.

If anyone tells you that this can be done with the alternator installed in the car, either his arms are about the size of a #2 pencil,and he has the dextirity of one who practices slight of hand for a living, or This person and the truth are not well acquainted.

Remove the alternator from the car, and then the operation is very straightforward. Watch the internal connection to the regulator when installing the unit, and once it is against the regulator arm, just tighten the screws. Mine now idles with the lights on, the A/C on, the fan on position 3, the radio playing, the wipers on amd the turn signals in operation at 13.58 volts. With everything turned off the idle (700 RPM) set correctly, the output is at a constant 14.19 volts.

All is well with Helga.