[srobel]

My lights flicker and pulsating sometimes. Nothing too extreme, but certainly noticeable from inside the car. All the lights do this in unison, so I suspect the regulator. It is new, all wiring harnesses are new, the alternator is rebuilt. Anyone seen this before?

pulsing, flickering lights - bad regulator or alternator?

 

[John_Muha]

Normally regulator. The flickering is usually noticeable at idle.

 

[a36chevy]

If your not going for 100% stock, might be time to change to an internally regulated Alt. It reacts much quicker than an externally regulated alt. Just did it to mine, and it was the best thing I've done since the big block. Year-one makes an excellent wiring kit that costs around $15.
Hope this helps, Rob

 

[Steve_69]

What kind of alternator did you get? Do you know the output at idle?

Do you have more than just stock electrical components drawing electricity while the lights are on? Any additions such as a strong stereo, extra lights etc?

What's your idle like? Do you have a slow loping idle with a cam "with an attitude"?

What is your wiring conditions? Old original in not the best of shape...or newer replaced wiring with all connections in good shape, preferably soldered, and clean?

Steve



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My opinions are usually worth what they cost you. But once in a while I know what I am talking about. Humor, fun, a few new friends, and good ole knowledge of these classics are why I am here. Your mileage may vary. ACES # 04981

 

[MalibuJerry350]

What you are "seeing" is the mechanical regulator "cycling". Go to AutoZone and buy a Wells VR-15 solid state regulator. It is am exact "plug in" replacement and it's only around 10 bucks. Have one in my car for about 55,000 miles now with NO problem. Cured the "disco light" problem. Just be sure that the mounting tabs are grounded to the radiator support when you install it. AND, disconnect the battery first! The only difference is that the Wells unit comes with a chrome cover, which can be interchanged with your old one.

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MalibuJerry350
TC Member #1279
Original owner '70 Chevelle.
580,000+ miles on car.
Hey, if it's got wheels, DRIVE IT!
My Chevelle: http://hometown.aol.com/erie614/myhomepage/index.html

 

[ToocoolZ28]

Jerry, explain what you mean by "make sure the mounting tabs are grounded". You mean dont use the rubber on the mounting legs or to run a wire. I have that problem with my Nova, I'm going to pick up a Wells unit.
Ron

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70 Chevelle SS396 (427)M21 Before / After
66 Nova SS 327 M20
95 Z28 Convertible T56
Aces 3081, TC #54 Gold

 

[John_Muha]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ToocoolZ28:
Jerry, explain what you mean by "make sure the mounting tabs are grounded". You mean dont use the rubber on the mounting legs or to run a wire. I have that problem with my Nova, I'm going to pick up a Wells unit.
Ron
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Maybe Jerry got tied up. The regulator case needs to be grounded to the core support. My 64 is mounted on rubber wellnuts. I have a ground strap from the regulator to the core support. Believe Jerry used a screw and nut through one of the regulator's mounting feet to ground the regulator case to the core support. In this case you don't need a ground strap. On my 72 there are no rubber wellnuts or ground strap. The regulator gets mounted with sheet metal screws to the core support. Any one of these methods works.

 

[MalibuJerry350]

Thanks, John for answering the question! You're right. I was "tied up" doing yard work all day. I should have stayed inside. While cutting a branch from one of our trees, the branch came down and, because I stuck my left hand out to block it, the damn thing smashed into my index finger on my left hand causing a nice sprain and a string of neat words!

Got an ice pack on it now. Not easy typing with one hand. Yeah, yeah, I know.

Now, to get back to the question, I have a ground strap, as well, from one leg of the Wells regulator, to the grounding screw for the headlights. Works well. See, I was going to change rear axle bearings on the chevelle today, but wound up doing yard work instead....should have worked on the Chevelle!

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MalibuJerry350
TC Member #1279
Original owner '70 Chevelle.
580,000+ miles on car.
Hey, if it's got wheels, DRIVE IT!
My Chevelle: http://hometown.aol.com/erie614/myhomepage/index.html

 

[Peter F.]

But Jerry, imagine what heavy parts off an axle could have fallen on your finger

 

[John_Muha]

Probably won't have been his finger. Probably would have dropped the axle shaft on his foot. If it's gonna be a bad day, it's gonna be a bad day.
Jerry
You sure the black Delco cover can fit on a Wells unit? I've never really tried it but been hearing stories that it doesn't really fit.

 

[MalibuJerry350]

Oh, man! My finger's a nice shade of black and blue today! The ice pack helped very little. That'll teach me to do physical work on my day off. Should have played with the train layout!

I've heard a few people say that the covers on the two regulators won't interchange. Has Wells made a slight design change? Or was my hammer bigger?

I swapped the covers on the bench at work before I installed the Wells unit. Did it during my lunch hour, if I recall. Mmmmmm. I don't have an answer for that.

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MalibuJerry350
TC Member #1279
Original owner '70 Chevelle.
580,000+ miles on car.
Hey, if it's got wheels, DRIVE IT!
My Chevelle: http://hometown.aol.com/erie614/myhomepage/index.html

 

[srobel]

Update: I replaced the regulator before going further to check the wiring and alternator (since it was only a few bucks) and no more flicker! Thank you all.