Hi everyone,

I just installed an original Bosch alternator + external regulator into my 145 that I got from the junkyard on a donor 145. The regulator looks to be an aftermarket one...it has a green plastic casing which is definitely not original. On the label of the regulator it indicates that it is a 15.4 volt regulator. When running, the voltage settles on the battery at 15.5 or so volts and as the car warms up it seems to drift up to 16.2 volts. This is with no load but the engine. This seems pretty high to me on this old car. So I guess my questions are:

1.) How high a voltage is too high? My guess is 16 volts is above most people's comfort zones but I have a very limited experience :)

2.) Could this be bad regulator that just failed in such a way that voltage is going way too high? Or is this just the wrong regulator for the car?

3.) Does anyone know of a good place to find a replacement regulator if needed? The only ones I have been able to find have been about $50 and for that price I might as well pick up a new AC Delco alternator.

Any other comments would be welcome. I was hoping that this junkyard find would replace the whimpy generator that came on the engine but maybe I got my hopes up too high.

Thanks in advance!
Brian