Voltage regulator and dynamo replacement

[Sarge]

Having hopefully found the reason for my Morris being dead, I have started hunting down a new voltrage regulator.
No problem there, but one site suggests I should also get a new dynamo.

"WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT THE DYNAMO IS REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE REGULATOR BOX. IF YOUR EXISTING REGULAOR BOX IS FAULTY IT CAN BURN OUT THE NEW DYNAMO AND VICE-VERSA"

Surely if I am getting a functioning regulator, it shouldn't damage the existing dynamo, or are they suggesting the damage is already done ?

[bmcecosse]

Have you tried simply joining the A and A1 terminals ? That may be all that's needed. It is EXTREMELY unlikely that the dynamo will 'burn out' the regulator or vice versa. Don't worry about it. You can easily test the dynamo - take the belt off, join the two terminals - and then touch a wire from the non-earth side of the battery to the joined terminals - it should 'motor' if it's ok.

[Alec]

Hello Sarge,

I haven't heard of that before. It would be prudent to have a look at your existing one, they are easy to dismantle and check.

A quick check to see if a dynamo is functioning is to join the main and field terminals and apply 12 volts, it should motor if all is well. (Fan belt off, of course, if still on the car)

Alec

[bmcecosse]

If you feel you really wish to change both - it would make sense to simply fit an alternator instead.......

[ian.mcdougall]

And dont forget to ask bmc where he gets his £1 alternators from but it may be a secret that no amount of torture will get him to reveal