Joe

Hello!

I have 1988 W250 with a 5.2L.

I don't know if I have an external voltage regulator or not. I can't see it on the firewall, but I thought the 88 was too early to have an internal regulator.

A week ago she stopped charging during a big storm with lots of sideways rain. I figured it shorted out. All of the fuses are good. I changed the battery for a bigger one, put in a refurbished alternator, and cleaned the ground connections from the battery. Still no charging. My next thought was voltage regulator.

Thank you for any advice.

-Joe

Joe

Okay so I believe it has an internal regulator inside the computer.

I am thinking this conversion could make sense. Thoughts?

RacerHog

Did you find it.....
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b...egulator&pos=1

Joe

Hi Bob,

I couldn't find it in the truck itself, but after some research it sounds as though Dodge switched to a regulator inside the computer after 1987. I will add a bypass with an external regulator as that seems like a common thing to do on this truck. Hopefully that solves the problem!

RacerHog

The one posted is kind of the standard regulator.. So yes, If it is not present, the regulator is internal... No reason to add the other.

Joe

From what I gather the reason for adding an external regulator is to avoid the computer in the charging circuit, because the computer's regulator is notorious for failing. You create an alternative charging circuit. The other option is replace the computer, but it's expensive and less reliable.

I could be completely wrong about all of this, I'm just repeating stuff I've been reading online and a

RacerHog

Joe

I will post updates and photos!

Coronet 500

I changed our 1992 to old style alt and external regulator along with older engine with carb, when I was done all that remained in the computer circuit was for dash gauges. When I started I thought cut out a couple of wires and add the old circuit, not so easy for me. If I was trying to keep EFI and only add external regulator I'm not sure if I could have done it or even if it could be done.

There was a lot of head scratching on that one.

Joe

Yesterday I went through as many wires as I could and I found a separated wire leading toward the battery. I spliced in a section and now the charging system works again.

That was easier than I thought!

Coronet 500

That's great.