330 GTS Misbehaving Voltage Regulator?

[xs10shl]

I need to figure out why my battery is being overcharged. Things are normal at idle, but when I'm moving, the battery appears to be getting far too much juice from the charging system. I haven't confirmed this using any sort of scientific equipment, but have noticed that the (new) battery is spitting acid out of the top, and that the AMP gauge reads +80 when I'm cruising normally. I've been driving with the lights on to mitigate the effects, but that's not a good solution, because I always forget to switch them off when I stop the car.

I've heard of two possible culprits: one is the voltage regulator, which may be bad, and the other is the alternator, which may need rebuilding. Without spending any time at all researching further, I thought I'd post here and speed up the process.

Thoughts?

[tyang]

Hi Tom,

Have you put a volt meter on the battery terminal to see what you're getting at idle? Does it go much higher than 14 volts when you rev the engine up past 2000-3000 rpm? If the alternator is overcharging, it could show up in this kind of test.

If you're proven the battery is being over charged, it could be the voltage regulator. +80 is a lot of current from you alternator. Make sure you have the correct alternator for your ammeter, or else you could fry that too with that much constant voltage.

Tom

[xs10shl]

Ugh, that sounds like I have to do work. I was hoping for a one-line answer to my problems. I guess i'll need to do it right, and take some measurements.

More later.

[Timo]

Another possible culprit could be grounding, or more specifically lack of it, which also may cause charging systems to "misbehave" erratically.
Or just loose or corroded electrical contact, either positive or negative, in any of the related components (i.e. alternator, regulator, gauge, wiring, etc...) can cause similar effect.

[tyang]

Ugh, that sounds like I have to do work. I was hoping for a one-line answer to my problems. I guess i'll need to do it right, and take some measurements.

More later.

How's this:

It sounds like it's broke.

Tom

[Rudy van Daalen Wetters]

There are no one liners in Ferrari speak....check out Yale's
postings and you'll be grateful.

Rudy van Daalen Wetters
1963 GTE s/n 4001
1966 330 GT s/n 8705

[Tom Wilson]

It sounds like it's broke.

Tom - You need to be more constructive. Try this:

I think you need to fix it.

[xs10shl]

Ha! ;^)

Well, looks like I'm stuck doing the work. I believe this is the last remaining sub-system that I have not been required to overhaul, minus the engine itself. So I guess all that remains now is to throw a rod.

[TOMKIZER]

Tom - You need to be more constructive. Try this:

I think you need to fix it.

That's true. It's important to maintain a POSITIVE attitude - like:

"I'm absolutely POSITIVE that it aint no friggin good - just like mine."

Tom Kizer

[TOMKIZER]

I'm sorry - that was uncalled for. Here's a real POSITIVE attitude.

Try this to figure out how bad it really might be.

http://www.familycar.com/Classroom/char ... 0REGULATOR

Good Luck!

Tom Kizer

[Jimmyr]

Over charging can be caused by only two items, a poor ground connection or a shorted (bad) voltage regulator. All of the early alternator equiped Ferraris are plaged with this very problem as a result of a design fault in the voltage regulators from new. If it is the red box Marelli, then rebuilts are easilly available, GT Parts, etc. If it is the Lucas regulator then you need to scout out a new one somewhere, as they are not usually rebuidable. A volt meter is your best test instrument for this problem. Caution in operating the vehicle with this condition as it will damage the battery and destroy the headlamps, both cost more than a voltage regulator. Jim

[xs10shl]

Well, I've finally found some time to go and do a little research, and I found these references online.

Handy explanation of the 11AC alternator:
http://www.coolcatcorp.com/faqs/Lucasalternators.html

A better charging circuit for 11AC alternators:
http://www.rootesparts.com/id230.htm

Nippondenso Retrofitting:
http://www.coolcatcorp.com/faqs/LucasNippondenso.html

Lucas 4tr Regulator:
http://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/product/705

[xs10shl]

So I got my Jag alternator working again. But now I'm looking for the black plastic cover on the front sidewall by the radiator which covers the junction box where the 3 wires come from the Alternator. Anyone know of a source?

[Deane]

Worst case, have one machined from a piece of Delrin. That's where mine came from.