Generator and Brake light on!

Last week I took a quick trip in my '73 Super. When I started the car
the generator and brake light were on. Once I stared on my way, they
went out. On the return trip, both lights came on at start up but
never went out. From research, I know it's either the regulator or
generator.

I checked the battery and it has 12V both with the engine on and off.
I assumed that the battery would be low if the generator was gone, even
though I've driven only a few miles. I pressed on the brushes and
nothing has changed. Before I run and buy a new regulator, are there
any other tests I can do to isolate the cause? Does driving the car
with a bad regulator cause any damage to the electric system? Thanks!

Houdsie wrote:
> Last week I took a quick trip in my '73 Super. When I started the car
> the generator and brake light were on. Once I stared on my way, they
> went out. On the return trip, both lights came on at start up but
> never went out. From research, I know it's either the regulator or
> generator.
>
> I checked the battery and it has 12V both with the engine on and off.
> I assumed that the battery would be low if the generator was gone, even
> though I've driven only a few miles. I pressed on the brushes and
> nothing has changed. Before I run and buy a new regulator, are there
> any other tests I can do to isolate the cause? Does driving the car
> with a bad regulator cause any damage to the electric system? Thanks!
>

Do the Generator tests on my web site.
That will help decide whether it's a reg or gen issue.

If the battery doesn't come up above 12V (like 13.5 to 14.5V),
when running, then it isn't charging.

Speedy Jim
http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/