Subject: RE: replacement voltage regulator
Author: derek bird
Date: Jul 19, 2004, 2:34 PM
Post ID: 1717186635
this is a magna-merelli system on my 70-ambo
Jason Telford wrote:
derek bird wrote:
It depends on whether you have a Bosch or a Marelli generator. Here's what I have copied off the list from various times for Bosch, I believe. I'm sorry, I do not know who the original posters are. It's somewhat disjointed because it came from a couple different threads. J The theory applies but not the part numbers. Your 73 has a BOSCH (many early Ambo's had Marelli's)Generator, very similar to early VW's - in fact my eldo uses a VW generator. You can safely use any early VW Regulator, I usually buy one for a '72 VW beetle, 1600cc - just 'cause that's what I used to drive. Those systems are generally quite robust and more powerful than the early alternators. Yes, Tonti saved about 8 lbs with the alternator, but I'm hard pressed to appreciate teh weight savings when I'm push starting a 500 lb bike! There is a $14 fix, the same fix I used for the sailboat charging systems. Remove the original Bosch voltage regulator. Place it on the floor, and smash it flat with a 2 pound hammer, then wrap it in a used dirty Pampers, and stuff it deep in the garbage can (if you come up with a worse fate, have at it, that piece of junk deserves it!) Buy a Dodge car voltage regulator. The NAPA part #is UR32SB, but shop a bit, because you can pay $40 for the same item. There are only two to chose from, one is flat, the other isn't, you want the one that isn't flat. It has three connections; one on each end, and a ground screw on the side - one end to the alternator(marked "field"), the other to the hot lead from the ignition, and the third to ground. The Bosch regulator had the same three wires, so its an easy swap. It fits in place of the original nicely, is easy to find if you ever mess up one, and is cheap. It will produce exactly 14.2 volts. The Bosch units I have checked put out about 13.6 volts, resulting in a partially charged battery. Death by slow sulfation. Eppa Wimbish wrote:
The regulator is for a 1969 Dodge Monaco (among others). Wells (& Auto Zone) part number is VR706, *NOT* the VR733 which is used on virtually all Chrysler products. I paid $10 for one. If undercharging is the problem, and it often is on Guzzies; I suggest a '60s Dodge voltage regulator, available at NAPA for $14. Part # VR3258. Two wire hookup - small - cheap - ideal voltage. They will BTW, work on any Guzzi, alternator or generator. 2) Hella makes a replacement for the Bosch regulator (which is also used in the original VW Bug, Mercedes, BMW cars, and Alfa Romeos of that era). I've had mine so long, I've forgotten if it is already properly adjusted, adjustable, or both. And it is plug compatible with the Bosch. |