Riven02

I just got a new 62 amp alternator to replace my worn out 50 amp. Is this gonna be a problem to use the same regulator?

thanks,joe

Scott H.

As a general "rule of thumb, if you have the old elctro/mechanical type, you should change the Alt and Reg as a pair.
If you have an electronic regulator then you should be OK to continue using it.
Keep an eye on Voltage. If your battery is good you do not want to see more than ~14.8V, or less than ~13.6 with the engine running.

Regulators do not "see" amperage, only voltage. So there is never a real high current through the regulator. Only enough to generate the magnetic field in the rotor windings.

73Cleveland

The same regulator will work. Basically all the regulator does is measure the battery voltage. When it drops too low, it tells the alt to start charging. When it gets to near 15v, it tells the alt to quit charging. The reg doesn't care how many amps the alt can supply.

Changing out the reg when you change the alt just good preventative maintenance. Not a bad idea if it's been on there awhile but not necessary

Soaring

That's true, but with the cheap cost of regulators, it is always a good idea to replace the regulator when you change the alternator. As far as the alternator putting out too much amps, no need to worry. Many guys use 100 amp alternators while running high amp stereo equipment, etc.

73Cleveland

I agree that changing out a mechanical reg is a good idea when changing an alt. That's why I said what I did. He asked if he had to change it because of going with a higher rated alt. For that reason alone he didn't. While new reg's don't cost much, it can be a lot if funds are tight.

My 73 Mach is using the same reg it had on it when I bought it back in 77. (knocking on wood). I have gone thru a 2 alts because of bad bearings.