Voltage regulator draining battery

[Markb]

Hi guys,

 

When I bought my 78 260Z 2+2, the owner had a battery cut off switch fitted as the battery used to drain. I finally got a chance to investigate it and it looks like the voltage regulator is draining 0.7A from the battery. I have opened it up and had a look and it seems that as soon as the battery is connected, it's making a contact on the points. I've tried adjusting it as per the Haynes manual with no change.

 

Is there anything else I can try or should I just replace it?

 

Thanks,

Mark

[RB30X]

The voltage reg should only be getting a signal from the battery when ignition is on. I believe in some cars the signal even stops during cranking so as not to put more load on the engine, then starts charging once the engine is running.

[Markb]

Thanks! So it's probably knackered, or could some other part of the system be faulty?!

[chris240]

Option 1...disconnect it every time you park the car 

Option 2...buy an alternator thats internally regulated

 

whats annoying is I have an internally regulated Alt and mine still drains 0.25amps, in other words my Alt needs to be binned, but im now just used to disconnectiing the wire that feeds the back on the Alt when I park the car.

[Markb]

Well yeah I have a battery cut off but it's not really a longterm solution. plus I think it's over charging the battery!

 

[RB30X]

Have a read here if you haven't already.

 

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,5918.15.html

 

A generous and  handsome man has drawn up a diagram for how they work.