When I cold start the car, the charging system won't begin to operate until the engine has run for about five minutes. When warm starting, it charges immediately. It's not the ammeter, as the engine speed changes when the needle shows a charge.

The alternator is a stock NOS, about two years old, with perhaps a 1,000 miles since it was installed. The regulator is a bit older...maybe four years with 2,000 miles...and is electronic with connections that match the original point style regulator. The part number, country of origin, and mfg markings aren't readable. I believe it was a Wells, but my memory sucks.

All connections are clean and tight, and the wiring is in good shape.

The car is a '64 Valiant, 225 converted to Mopar electronic ignition many years ago.

I have a new US made VR125 sitting on the shelf, but would need to replace the OEM wiring with a later model connector.

So far the problem is only a nuisance, but I'd like to get it fixed before winter. Ideas?

Can you take the cover off the regulator?

If you can, I'd look for bad solder connections on the circuit board.
(I'm thinking there's a broken solder connection that finally makes contact when it gets warm enough)

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

I would pull the cover off (assuming this is the older relay type regulator) and get a contact burnishing tool or some fine crocus cloth and clean the relay contacts. Some have upper and lower contacts. See if that helps.

Also, do you have a voltmeter or 12V test light?

There is no cover, and the electronics are encapsulated.

First thing I would do is, verify the problem is the regulator. Before starting he engine cold, put a jumper wire between the two wires on the regulator. Then start the engine, and see if it charges right away. If it does, just replace the regulator. Wells number VR706. If not check wiring for bad connections, and ground at the alternator. It could also be a internal problem with the alternator. The easiest way to check that would be to try a different alternator, and see if the symptons change.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

Finally had a little time and found the problem. The flat blade terminal that the field wire connector slips over was not making good contact with the alternator. Now clean and tight, and it charges immediately.

Nice when it is that easy!