Larry,
If you need more voltage then tighten the regulator coil adjusting screw in
the regulator. This will lessen the amount of time the field resistance is
in the circuit and increase your output voltage. Easiest way to measure
generator output voltage is just to monitor generator output voltage to
ground at the regulator. Doing it like this means you have to know
something about the load to get a really accurate idea of generator output,
but if the battery is charged and the lights are out it's a good indication
of what the system is seeing.
Now to beg the question, why do you need more voltage? I'll venture three
guesses:
1. Voltage low. If it seems too low (dim lights, etc.) check everything
else also since a bad battery, generator, and grounds(!) can generate the
same symptoms. Lucas put out an excellent manual on troubleshooting years
ago, and since generator systems are similar you can generally use
troubleshooting techniques for other makes, just observe polarity.
Caution: if you increase the voltage too much you'll ruin the battery,
lights, and other items.
2. Constant current drain from battery. The generator voltage may be too
low to properly take over the load, but then again, you might have lost
field coils or something else. Time to troubleshoot, and don't overcharge
the battery!
3. Need More Power. Added accessories (such as electric fan, fog lights,
1000W Stereo, toaster, etc.) draw voltage down too much (lights dim with
the beat, etc.). Solution isn't to increase voltage, but increase generator
capacity. In other words, time to put a bigger generator (or better bet:
alternator) on. The Lucas unit is rated 19 Amps (228W). You can't draw
anymore long term, and increasing the voltage above that required for proper
car operation is hazardous (see 1 above). In modifying early cars for more
electrical power I've used AC Delco units without problems, other would have
different suggestions. If you truly need more power generation capability
and all you do is increase generator voltage you run the risk of burning up
the generator, wiring, battery, light bulbs, and the car.
My $0.02,
Bruce CLough
cloughbt@batman.flight.wpafb.af.mil
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