voltage regulator for a 1966 33HP Johnson rx16

[todd281]

Hi, I have a 33HP Johnson, model RX16d. I have installed a working generator and bracket, however I do not have a regulator . Can anyone tell me if they have found a workaround for the regulator that was produced for this system [they are hard to find] Perhaps something that is still produced and available, or something from another vehicle . thanks for any leads on this

 

[oldboat1]

might try Fairwinds Marina in Annapolis, MD. (website and mail order). Pretty good collection of NOS and used parts generally, and purchased a couple of regulators a number of years ago. Not cheap (and can be a little prickly to deal with).

[and AOMCI website, public classifieds]

 

[schematic]

I think rx16 is a 1968. I have never worked on a marine gen, but 100s of others. A work around for a gen. should be relatively easy. Do you know if the field circuit is "A" or "B" type?

 

[F_R]

It is not easy, at least not for the average bear. It takes a 10 Amp, 3-unit, Type A regulator.. No car uses a 10A regulator. The best way to do it is use a solid state regulator made for old Harley Davidson motorcycles. Again, make sure you get the 10A one, not the higher amp one. My notes say it was used on Big Twin models 1965 through 1969 and Sportsters 1965 thru 1977 . Check it out on e-bay.

 

[todd281]

thanks for the info, I have been looking on e-bay but was unsure exactly what I needed. do most regulators have a amp rating printed on them? or do I need to dig a little deeper to find that out. I was also wondering about one from a tractor/ lawn mower type. or perhaps a golf cart. I would think any one rated 12 volts, and 9-11 amps would work but I am not sure thanks again

 

[F_R]

I have spent hours looking for off-the-shelf substitutes. Go ahead, if you want.

 

[schematic]

Something like this should work. You will have to adjust the current down to 10 amp. Not hard to do....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Voltage-Reg...93a9a76&pid=100005&rk=5&rkt=6&sd=151111988217

 

[gm280]

Something like this should work. You will have to adjust the current down to 10 amp. Not hard to do....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Voltage-Reg...93a9a76&pid=100005&rk=5&rkt=6&sd=151111988217

Schematic, that is an old relay type regulator. Meaning it switches in and out instead of varying the output. Why not use a modern voltage regular available all over the place? And even a regulator from any GM alternator could be wired in and used. And I honestly have to ask, why would you not want a higher amperage regulator then 10 amps? I guess I don't understand? :noidea:

 

[racerone]

BUT, this is a 12 volt DC generator and not an 12 volt AC alternator on this motor !!!!!

 

[gm280]

BUT, this is a 12 volt DC generator and not an 12 volt AC alternator on this motor !!!!!

racerone, a regulator couldn't care less. The rectifier changes AC voltages to pulsating DC voltage. The regulator regulates the actual voltage. So it doesn't matter one way or the other... Any regulator will work...

 

[F_R]

?????? "Any" regulator will not work. It has to be a type A field, and it has to be 10 amps maximum current to prevent burning out the generator armature. And there is no rectifier in a DC generator system. Finally, the one on e-bay has no specs. How is the average guy supposed to know?

 

[racerone]

Hopefully the owner of the motor will use common sense when shopping here.-I have a bunch of these voltage regulators for this motor.

 

[schematic]

racerone, a regulator couldn't care less. The rectifier changes AC voltages to pulsating DC voltage. The regulator regulates the actual voltage. So it doesn't matter one way or the other... Any regulator will work...

As F_R says, generators have the ability to charge themselves to death. They need an extra circuit to prevent them from producing more than their safe limit.
Yes, an alternator regulator will work, the voltage will be regulated, but the generator may destroy itself if too much current is demanded.

The regulator I posted appears to have three solenoids. (three rivets underneath) This means that the current and voltage are adjustable simply by bending a tab to increase or decrease a spring tension.

If racerone has these regulators, it would be the way to go for the OP.

 

[gm280]

Apparently this is not the typical voltage regulator setup. It seem the OP is looking for a special type regulator that doesn't regulate the actual voltage after it is produced, but a regulator that controls the field winding of the generator to control output. So while that still is a type of regulator, it isn't the usual type regulator the modern alternators/stators output. So I guess he has to get one for this generator setup... JMHO!

 

[schematic]

Apparently this is not the typical voltage regulator setup. It seem the OP is looking for a special type regulator that doesn't regulate the actual voltage after it is produced, but a regulator that controls the field winding of the generator to control output. So while that still is a type of regulator, it isn't the usual type regulator the modern alternators/stators output. So I guess he has to get one for this generator setup... JMHO!

You are correct

 

[F_R]

Apparently this is not the typical voltage regulator setup. It seem the OP is looking for a special type regulator that doesn't regulate the actual voltage after it is produced, but a regulator that controls the field winding of the generator to control output. So while that still is a type of regulator, it isn't the usual type regulator the modern alternators/stators output. So I guess he has to get one for this generator setup... JMHO!

It was typical back in it's time, when all vehicles used DC generators. The two types of fields I mentioned are Type A, where the regulator interrupts the field ground to control voltage, and Type B where the regulator sends voltage to the field to control the voltage. The other two sections limit the current, and cut the generator out of the system at idle speeds. Not many of us old timers left that understand the systems of yore.