Okay; Here is the problem: 1983 244T: After installing an adjustable voltage regulator (second time) and letting the engine run for 15 minutes with the lights on, my voltmeter drops to a point right above the red and stays there for awhile, then it moves back up to a respectible voltage. It does this consistently. The adjustable regulator is really hot (but placed in the front of the engine compartment away from any heat source.

What is happening here? is the regulator getting too hot and failing intermittently? Is there a wiring problem?

Here is the story: For several year my 83, 244T voltage meter (no adjustable regulator) starts high and drops to a stable voltage 12.0V. When I turn the lights on, the voltage is now barely above red. This is only after the engine has warmed up well. So, I have replaced the alternator (three times), Battery (twice). I remove all fuses except the two fuel pump fuses and ECU fuse and the voltage is still low.

So, I figure the alternator is heating up and the internal regulator is also heating up, because it is near the Turbocharger. So, I then install the external adjustable regulator and then the voltage can only be set to a maximum 14.06 volts and is fine, until I run the engine for a while with the lights on. Then the voltage drops drastically to right above red. Touching the regulator it is very hot.

How does it work? Is it drawing too much current with the lights on, making it fail? is something else going on?

During the day (with regular internal regulator), I have no problems, the voltage starts normal (13.5V) and drops to about 13.1V and stays there. But, turing on the lights, and the voltage drops to a very low amount. So, I can drive okay during the day, but at night, no way.

Helpppppppppppppppp. Please

Lawren

1983 244T (269k miles, black)
1995 850 T5R (82k miles, black)
1970 Plymouth Barracuda (340 Cuda, in-violet purple)

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