[sp4149]

Voltage has been slowly dropping and I had the battery voltage drop so low that the car wouldn't start. I added distilled water to a couple of battery cells and recharged the battery. Searching the forum I saw that frequently the voltage regulator would develop a problem and deliver lower voltage levels to the battery.



I've been trying to find a replacement. The local independent Porsche shop is being told by suppliers that the voltage regulator is internal and you have to buy a new alternator with the internal voltage regulator. Separate voltage regulators are no longer supplied. Another Porsche shop quoted me a price of $180 for the voltage regulator alone, the same price as a rebuilt alternator at some parts places. I thought I had found a Bosch part number of BSH 03 4453, the photo showed the number 1 197 311 027 on the regulator, but a parts place said these were not good numbers. I found some regulators, obscure aftermarket brands, for around $30. A VW place may have a similar regulator, Bosch 311 021, for $49.95.



I realize San Diego is not the best place to find Porsche parts for the DIYer, but it seems like these regulators should be a lot easier to find. Seems like 13 years after end of production would not be the expected time for a design change to an internal regulator. Has this part become that hard to find???



sp4149

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[flash]

it is an easy part to source though sometimes they are out of stock - for example, paragon sells them - 2 screws - 2 minutes to change - i think i even have one here if you want to pop up

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[banditsc]

Check out this thread, http://www.968forums.com/index.php?showtopic=4296&hl= You should be able to find one locally, most alternator shops stock Transpo parts. You could also call the local distributor to find a local shop. Also it would be a good idea to go ahead and replace the aging cables, the sponsor on here that sells the kits also can include the regulator in the package. Just click on the Higher Connections button up top to send him an email if you want to go that route.

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[PorscheDude]

I think I got one for my 944 for $26 at napa.

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[biotechee]

+1 for Robby at Higher Connections. Good guy to deal with.... The battery cable kit (originally developed by Dan Wray, RIP) is top quality. Comes with the voltage regulator.



I have the kit sitting in my garage for when I need to do this to the cab.

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[PorscheDude]

I really want to get one of these cable kits. After I get my wagon n sorted, I will jump back into the 968.

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[sp4149]

[quote name='PorscheDude' post='64566' date='Dec 23 2008, 06:15 AM']I think I got one for my 944 for $26 at napa.[/quote]

Napa quoted me $254 plus shipping delivery within 4-5 days. Their store catalog now shows it as integral to the alternator not a separate part. The Napa online catalog does show a Bosch-type voltage regulator for our 1984 944 at $74, however. It may be that the alternator is also bad. We were planning on a five hour trip Friday to Vegas, but it doesn't look like the car is up to the trip now.



-sp4149

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[flash]

ring me up

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[banditsc]

You should be able to get that adjustable version for no more then $20. If Flash can't get you straight try the local alternator shops for that Atsco part # I put in the other thread. Also I was able to get a Bosch alternator for $150 from a local Alternator shop with a new regulator and they had it in stock. It's only like a hour at most to swap it out.

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[sp4149]

[quote name='banditsc' post='64579' date='Dec 23 2008, 08:18 AM']You should be able to get that adjustable version for no more then $20. If Flash can't get you straight try the local alternator shops for that Atsco part # I put in the other thread. Also I was able to get a Bosch alternator for $150 from a local Alternator shop with a new regulator and they had it in stock. It's only like a hour at most to swap it out.[/quote]



All things considered I am wondering if swapping out the alternator would be a better alternative. It appears that the voltage regulator has "brushes" that ride on a commutator in the alternator. It looks like a wear part in some of the photos. When these "brushes" wear or fail do they create a whine in the alternator? If I have noise coming from the alternator, could it just be these voltage regulator brushes, or should I just replace the alternator? The whine is only noticeable at idle and low speeds, in gear and in neutral and/or park; at road speeds it goes away due to road and wind noise. I finally found a voltage regulator locally, however I am wondering if I should be replacing the alternator instead.



-sp4149

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[flash]

i've not heard of them creating a whine - however, i would look at the alternator if you are sure the noise is coming from there specifically, and not somewhere else - you can find out quickly enough if you remove the belt and give her a spin - make sure you loosen the mounting bolts BEFORE adjusting the tensioner, and retighten after

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[banditsc]

I'd try the regulator first, it's under $20 and takes 15 minutes to install. If it works it will at least get to to Vegas and back and you can worry about the alternator later.

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[sp4149]

[quote name='banditsc' post='64619' date='Dec 23 2008, 02:02 PM']I'd try the regulator first, it's under $20 and takes 15 minutes to install. If it works it will at least get to to Vegas and back and you can worry about the alternator later.[/quote]

I'll try that tonight. Voltage was down to 12.6 at the battery, engine at 2000RPM. I assume that the brushes on the regulator will seat pretty quickly and voltage should be back up to between 13.6 and 14 at fast idle. If not I have an alternator problem, not just a voltage regulator problem.



Hoping my luck changes before Vegas - sp4149

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[968gene]

it wouldn't hurt to look at the belt as well...

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[flash]

ya know - just to rule out the obvious, i would clean the main connections (regardless of what they look like), and tighten them back down - i had a low voltage issue that turned out to be nothing more than a bad main ground - it "looked fine" and was tight, but underneath there was corrosion

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[sp4149]

[quote name='flash' post='64626' date='Dec 23 2008, 04:22 PM']ya know - just to rule out the obvious, i would clean the main connections (regardless of what they look like), and tighten them back down - i had a low voltage issue that turned out to be nothing more than a bad main ground - it "looked fine" and was tight, but underneath there was corrosion[/quote]



I had to make an emerency trip to Palm Springs Tuesday afternoon, and never got a chance to install the voltage regulator. My mother had a mild stroke and has been hospitalized the last two days. She was released today and I'll be staying with her till Sunday. It looks like she will make an almost complete recovery. Needless to say the Las Vegas trip in the 968 was cancelled. Hopefully Sunday/Monday I can try and replace the regulator.



-sp4149

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