Home Forum Ask A Member 1961 40 Lark Voltage Regulator

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  • #5101
    outbdnut2
    Participant

      US Member

      I just finished bringing a 1961 40 Lark back to life that obviously hadn’t been run for decades, and it’s runin’ sweet! When I removed the voltage regulator cover, it was obvious that water had sat in it, about 1/3rd full for an extended period of time, rusting the rear of the relays and the springs badly. The relay springs are close to breaking from rust. I haven’t been able to find an aftermarket regulator, but noticed on it’s frame it says it’s an Autolite, which would be Ford – is this original? or did someone cobble in a car regulator?

      I’m thinking an automotive regulator would probably duplicate the voltage and circuit breaker relay functions, but probably not have the right spec for the center current sensing relay, since we are only talking 10 Amps here. What do you recommend I use?

      I had brief thoughts of designing a solid state replacement regulator, since I’m a retired circuit designer, but I don’t want to take the time to design, build, package, and debug one.
      Dave

      #42900
      chris-p
      Participant

        You can use a Harley 10 amp, ill dig up the part number I have used. Its the only one I have found so far to be compatible.

        #42904
        frankr
        Participant

          Solid State regulator for a Harley. I think the number is 381-309 from J P Cycles. But my info is old. Be sure you get the 10 Amp one for a DC Generator. Again, I think it fits 1965-69 FL and 56-77 Sportster. Or something like that. Check it out.

          Minor mounting and wiring required.

          #42905
          frankr
          Participant

            OR–here ya go, the original kind at a steal price. OMC gets $100.
            http://www.ebay.com/itm/harley-sportste … Ev&vxp=mtr

            #42906
            frankr
            Participant

              This should be the solid state one
              http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-New-Premium … gz&vxp=mtr

              #42943
              outbdnut2
              Participant

                US Member

                Thanks Frank, I’ll look into those Harley regulators.
                Dave

                #42961
                amuller
                Participant

                  You can probably get a current regulator into range by easing the spring tension.

                  #43044
                  outbdnut2
                  Participant

                    US Member
                    quote amuller:

                    You can probably get a current regulator into range by easing the spring tension.

                    Yeah I thought about that, but I’d need to set up a dummy 10 Amp load to calibrate it. I ordered the mechanical Harley regulator Frank mentioned. For the amazingly cheap price and free shipping, I’m going the easy route!
                    Thanks for the suggestion.
                    Dave

                    #43328
                    outbdnut2
                    Participant

                      US Member

                      I got the new mechanical Harley replacement regulator Frank mentioned (Thanks Frank!). It is approx. 1/2 inch thicker than the old one and won’t fit inside the solenoid box cover without hitting the solenoid, but no problem, as I’m going to take a thin, no-regulator, solenoid box cover and mount the regulator on the outside of it. I have to make wires a bit longer, but have to rework the wires anyway because a mouse had made the sonenoid box her home and ate a lot of the wire insulation. Where it mounts in the boat, there is no chance of any metal shorting to the regulator terminals or it’s metal case. Note the metal case on the Harley regulator is not common to battery negative (unlike the original regulator) and the it’s mounting holes have rubber inserts,etc. to assure isolation from ground-negative.
                      Dave

                      #43333
                      Mumbles
                      Participant

                        What about the smaller Bosch style regulator for kick start Harleys? This is what my XLCH uses and is rated at 10 amps.

                        http://www.ebay.com/itm/BOSCH-12V-VOLTA … 1638428383

                        Some guys used to replace these with Volkswagen regulators as they were cheaper than the Harley ones.

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