I've got a 292 V8 with a brand new generator. Having some difficulty adjusting the old-style relay based voltage regulator. Manual doesn't seem to be much help. This regulator has three relays, Cut-out, Voltage limiter and current limiter. I can't seem to get the voltage to stay in the right range of 13 to 13.8 volts. Best I can do is about 12.5 to 14. How do I adjust the trip point for these relays ? The cutout relay has a metal stop above the arm that controls how close the contacts are. None of the other two has this stop. When I got it this stop was bent to push down on the relay arm slightly.

In terms of the big picture I'm testing it by running the lights (Engine Off) for about 20 minutes to drain the battery down a little, then running the engine to charge the battery back up. The ammeter says it is charging after this, but sometimes there is arcing across the v-limit and I-limit relays. Is this normal ? Also the normal position of the ammeter is slightly on the discharge side. Normal ?
I figure the ammeter is working 'cause when I've got the lights on and engine not running, it is about 15amps on the discharge side.
Is there a better voltage regulator I can use with this generator ? Get away from these crazy relays ? I believe this is a stock Ford replacement generator 30 amp.

Yes I do have the information on how to change over to an alternator with integral voltage regulator, but this generator is brand new...($128-)

 

I think generators are the way to go they are very durable. I have almost have no trouble with mine at all. I have never tryed to adjust a reglator but if you can get 14 I would just leave alone it mine charges about 14.5 and I get better 7 years out of batterys. New reglators only cost $35 so why fool with a worn one.

 

I've got it adjusted now to about 12.8 to 14.2. What freaks me out is when the battery is fully charged the generator cuts out which drops the voltage down to 12.6 (With Headlights , heater, etc off). Once the battery discharges a little the generator comes back on and voltage climbs up to around 13.7 range.