I still have the original VR in my 65 Dart. When I check the voltage at the alternator, I show 14.8 volts at 2K rpm (Seems a bit high) and 13.8 volts at 700 rpm. At 700 rpm, I show 13.2 volts at the battery terminals.

The ammeter on the dash shows half way between the 0 and full charge. I've been using the battery for the stereo and lighting, so it is a little flat.

1) does it sound like the stock VR is working properly?

I plan on picking up a Echlin VR1001 or Standard VR128. However, I do have a new looking VR, that is nearly identical, I got it with a 65 Belvedere I had.

The difference is; the clamp on terminal is marked "field" and the slip on blade terminal is marked "ign".

2) On the stock one, they are reversed. Can anyone explain the difference to me?

3) To take some load off the dash ammeter; Is it correct to run an 8ga wire from the B+ of the alternator directly to the battery post positive?
what size fuse?

thanks!

It is a tiny tiny bit high (14.5 is fine) but that might be because the battery is low.
Some one turned one of the VR's covers around?
Running the 8 gauge wire to the battery is the right way but it most likely will totally by-pass the amp meter.

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50 chrysler,54 Plymouth, 64 Valiant conv 4 speed, 66 Valiant V8 wagon, 70 Challenger R/T 440+6 conv 4 speed,80 Colt, 98 Neon ACR,84 Honda V45 Magna
Taking care of 57 300C conv,48 T&C conv. Missing my 67 GTX and 36 Ply coupe

On some regulators the terminals are stamped with Ign or Field, and on some it is stamped on the cover. If you are referring to the cover, then it is probably put on wrong. If the stamping on the terminals is wrong, then it was improperly made. Either way, just hook it up like the one you removed. The wires only go on one way.

14.4 volts is the max I have seen in car manuals, but I have measured 13.5 on many cars. 14.8 is too high.

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Chuck Rivers, Webmaster

The original one, with the embossed stamping on the cover, has the slip on terminal at the bottom - with "IGN" stamped on the cover, at the bottom.

The top terminal is the clamp on connector, with the "Field" stamping on the cover.

I guess someone removed the cover at some time and put it back on upside down. Thanks!