78 HD Voltage Regulator Testing Question

neos

Hi there. So, I have a know problem somewhere in my system of my 78 3 wheel HD cart. Today I jacked it up and tested the voltage regulator as posted. Jacked up cart, lifted up body, tested voltage at battery, then started and had my dad hold the wires at the battery. It read pretty much the same I believe 12.4V both at rest and while running. So, he had me remove the voltage regulator cover by removing the 2 screws. It is very clean and shiny underneath the cover. Anyways, he then used emery paper on the contacts lightly. We then cleaned it up and retested with the same results. So we tried one more time, however this time while running, he 'opened' the contacts with a screwdriver only to read the 12.4V again while running. He says that the voltage regulator is not the problem, and that it must be something else. However, I am still thinking that it is the root cause. Any help in what test I should do next would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

BGW

__________________
This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

neos

Just to add that the voltage regulator on the cart has 3 tabs out the side of it pointing to the rear of the cart if this makes a difference in helping diagnose.

tew45

Go through the starter/generator test procedure as outlined in the manual. That may be the problem.

neos

Thank you. Now to find the manual....

tew45

The manual download is on the forum!

neos

Sorry. Forgot to say I found it right after seeing your post. Got it downloaded and tomorrow I have to read it to find my cart model in it. I am assuming you are talking about the service manual, correct? Thanks again.

tew45

I own a 1974 4 wheeler and a 1976 3 wheel and the manual covers up to 1980 very well.
Have you owned this cart for a while or is it new to you? Has it been working before?

neos

It has been in the family for a while. As far as I remember it always had this problem, but now that it is fully in my posession I would like to try and fix it. I can always give it a quick charge before using. Just another thing yo put out there is that the battery is old as well and does not hold a charge well. But with that said...

I am also going to take a peek at all the wires and terminal connections as well and clean them up one by one.