VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1938 Voltage Regulator Markings

Anybody know what number digits might be stamped on the frame of a 1938 Chevy Delco-Remy voltage regulator that has the original two up two down terminal configuration? Bill

I have one at home. Will check later and get back.

Probably 309. But don't take that to the bank.

Speaking of voltage regulators. I have a voltage regulator in a Delco Remy box. Part number 1118309. Written in pencil on the side is says "37 - 39 all" and "2500 group."

Before I bought my 6volt alternator, I bought this on eBay and tried to get my generator to work. A little history; my generator was rebuilt by a previous owner. I had the receipt which said "use with a regulator, not cut-out." So, I tried to get a regulator. I do know that my generator is generating, but I could not get it to work with the regulator. Does anyone know if this is the correct regulator? I appears to be new old stock, perhaps I was not clever enough to make it work.

By the way, mine has 309 stamped on the side, and there are three lugs sticking out of one side.

Thanks,

Rich

The original 1938 4 terminal regulator was part #005814. The three terminal for 1939 was 005858. Seeing the last three numbers were stamped on the later voltage regulators I would assume that would have been the case with the earlier numbers.
On 10-1-39 the 005814 was discontinued and replaced by the 005858 so the three terminal regualator had a very short life although it was used on other GM cars prior to 1938 and was available as an option for Chevrolet in 1937.
On 9-1-40 the 005858 number was changed to 1118203.
Around 1948 the number was changed to 1118309.

Rich, "Note - It is good practice, after reassembling a generator on the car or truck, to use a jumper lead to momentarily connect the battery terminal of the regulator with the generator terminal. This sends a current through the generator windings, assuring that it will build up in the proper polarity."

The above was taken from a 42 shop manual. Good tip by Chevrolet and it works for me. Yours is/was the right regulator. The group is 2.500.

Charlie

The 309 was a voltage controll and only used with 3 brush generators. It contained only a cut out and a voltage control. The 1940 and up voltage regulator also has an amp regulator and was used with a 2 brush generator.

Thanks for all the input. Chevgene, you've verified some numbers I have. Appreciate the help. Bill

BILLU38,
My original 4 lead is stamped 5814 on the GEN/BATT side of the regulator base. My spare 3 lead regulators are stamped 203.
Mac

Gene,

That's quite a history lesson on the voltage regulators. I'll bet there is not another guy on the planet that knows that. I do have the manual that tells how to connect the voltage regulator. I also verfied that my generator is generating and I believe that I had it all hooked up correctly, but perhaps it needs some adjustment, or it could be defective.

I am quite happy with my 6v alternator, especially since I do have halogen lights and I also have a 7 tube radio. I did the math and if you had the headlights on and the radio on, you were maxing out the generator and that was before halogen's were installed.

By the way, I did zap the generator per the instructions in the manual.

Rich

Does anyone have a 1938 4 post Voltage Regulator part number 5814 for sale?
Greg
516-804-2921

A new 4 lead will be very hard to locate.

I see them on ebay on rare occasion and they usually sell for a lot of money.

I had to trade my last set of hen's teeth to get my 4 tab regulator.

I did buy one out of the G&D several months ago. It was listed for $150.00 and I took it. I sent photos of it to Gene yesterday. I would like to use one on my coupe and one for a spare.
Greg
516-804-2921
gcolaros@optonline.net

Greg,
For some reason your message will not download.....will try again on Thursday.

Gene,
I resent the photos. If you cant open the attachments I can send you photos in the mail if you like. I would even buy a good core and rebuild it.

Greg
gcolaros@optonline.net

Chevgene, if I interpret what you wrote correctly, if I have a 1100004 generator I shouldn't use the 1118309 voltage regulator? Bill

An 1100004 Gen. would be a 1038-39 so the 1118309 Reg. would be used.

I just picked up a really nice voltage regulator (5814) out of the G&D for $150.00, the G&D is a great source for parts.
Greg

Chevgene, you said the 309 regulator was only used with a 3-brush generator..I was under the assumption the 1100004 generator was a 2-brush generator..am I wrong? thx..Bill

Its a three brush generator for a 1938 and 1939. The 1940 was the first to have a two brush generator.
Sorry - you are wrong

I am confused. Please help me. I am putting together a 38 Master Deluxe. I have generator 1100004 and four wires (Ign. Field, Bat & Gen)in the harness for my regulator. I am looking for the correct regulator, which you say should be the 1118309 regulator but it only has three wires (field, Bat & Gen.). What is wrong with my picture? Do I have the wrong generator?
Thanks,
Fred Marc

You have the correct generator and your car originally used a 4 terminal regulator.

Fred,
I have a 38 Master Deluxe too. I purchased a new wiring harness from YnZ Yesteryear parts. The harness had the four wires as you say. I purchased a new unused voltage regulator from an EBAY guy which fits the 1938 year and has three terminals like you say. The YnZ instructions said in that case to not hook up one of the wires and hook up only three of them. The car works and charges just fine! I'm not with the car right now but I could elaborate on which wire not to hook up if you need that info.