Hi all, I recently noticed that my Autometer volt gauge will peg at 18v as I'm driving then return to the normal 14.3 for a while. It has been doing this every few minutes so it is reading 18v about half the time. I'm thinking it's the voltage regulator going south, what do you think? This is on my 70 bee that runs an MSD electronic ignition and the 3 pin electronic voltage regulator. thx

sounds like it. easy and pretty inexpensive swap to try.

yup, just figured i'd ask. thx

at 18V your full fielding the alternator IE: turning it full on.
Check your grounds especially at the regulator and make sure the wiring between the regulator and alternator is in good condition

Make sure the reg is grounded good also.My old Ram Charger would shake loose.Then it would overcharge.I finally used larger bolts.Rocky

I've yet to see an electronic reg that goes bad part time. Does the RPM change when the voltage jumps? this might be a stretch but I'd confirm the voltage with another meter. Other than that I'd think alt/brush issue/a wire going open/closed intermittently or grounding out somewhere if its in the green wire circuit (way less likely). Keep us posted

RR a bad ground at the reg will cause the gauge to go hi part time.My Ram did it and drove me nuts for a while.It was night and I was plowing.Was going to change reg and when I went to unhook it it was loose.Tightend and all was back to normal.I agree most always the reg will work or not.They usually just quit charging though.Rocky

well I have to concede the others are right.
I remember now that I have either had them die, or over charge constently.

only one ever did intermittent high and it was as they said, a bad connection. which vaporized about 1 inch of 12 gauge line.