[T3] Bosch 30-019 Voltage Regulator vs. "new" Bosch 190 040 099 ??

[Robert Bills]

On 5 Apr 2011 Robert Bills  wrote:

> > In the event I need one, Is the Bosch 190 040 099 E an acceptable
> > replacement voltage regulator for a stock fuel injected '73
> > Squareback? 


On 5 Apr 2011 Jim Adney replied:

> I hadn't noticed that it was wider. I have not yet installed one of
> the these myself, but others here have, and not reported a problem.
> The top section of the new VR is "hot" so it must not touch the body.
> Otherwise, electrically, it appears to be a perfectly reasonable
> replacement for the original mechanical VRs.


I bought one of the new Bosch replacement VRs when I stockpiled parts for
getting my Squareback road ready, but I returned it un-used because the
existing Bosch VR appeared to be working properly after I replaced the
14-year-old rebuilt Bosch generator with a new rebuilt Bosch generator.


I was inclined to use it anyway, but was turned off by the fact that the
new VR is slightly wider, which reduces the clearance from the body
to only 3/16" (or so). This, coupled with an electrically hot case,
gave me uncomfortable visions of my car burning to a crisp.  :(


I will test my existing VR again this evening.  If my VR fails, it appears
the only readily available option is the replacement Bosch 190 040 099 E.
My thought is to buy a square of thin rubber sheet from the plumbing
section of my local hardware store and glue it to the body panel as
insulation from the VR.


While on the subject of VRs, the AutoZone website shows a voltage
regulator that is visually identical to the old-style Bosch unit, made
by an established U.S. auto electric parts company (can't remember whom).


I already know to replace Bosch with Bosch, but as a lifetime jeeper
I also know that it pays to know whether or not that a chain store part
can get you home if you break down in the middle of nowhere. I imagine
its the same with 38-year-old Type 3s.  Will these no name VRs
work with stock fuel injected type 3s or is the regulated voltage different
so they cause havoc to the fuel injection electronics?  (Or, in the
basest of terms, why isn't it as good as a Bosch?)    I can imagine a
day when I have to explain to my significant other why I have to spend
twice as much or search the classifieds and swap meets for the
"correct" electrical part.   ;)
as a Bosch.



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