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MG MGA - Voltage Regulator; Cleaning and/or Testing

I have installed a new wiring harness for a 1500 and am currently testing my connections. I have an original voltage regulator and wonder (1) how to test its working condition and/or (2) how to clean the connections.
gerard hutchinson

It's all here

http://www.clancy.ch/Library_files/Lucas_Generator_and_Control_Box_Tests.pdf
dominic clancy

Be careful about using digital voltmeters with the engine running. The ignition system can interfere with the readings (especially with cheap meters like mine).

Malcolm
Malcolm Asquith

Be cautious of that old regulator--I replaced my harness, and left the old reg in place... a year or so later, the regulator shorted out to ground and I ended up replacing my harness a second time. The grounds run all through the harness and fused the whole mess in several places. The same thing happened--'way back, when my '63 'B was only a couple years old.
Rob Carleen

I would add to Malcolm's advice about digital multimeters, by saying don't use a digital multimeter for the charging circuit. You can't follow the rise and fall of the voltage or current with a digital meter as it only displays the reading at the end of a scanning cycle. It is much better to use an old analog meter so you can follow what is happening as you do it.

Contact Bob Jeffers at bobj50@comcast.net for the real skinny on checking a regulator. Bob owns Wilton Auto Electric and knows what he is talking about. Additionally, if needed, he can make a solid state regulator, calibrate it to the generator in your car and put it in the original case so no one will know the difference. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

This thread was discussed between 17/03/2008 and 18/03/2008

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