[T3] A Tale Of Two Regulators

[Chris Sheridan]

My Daily Driver is again experiencing electrical issues. You may remember I
replaced the battery, regulator, belt, generator brushes about a year ago,
and the generator itself about 2 years ago.

Over the last month or so I noticed the lights dimming at idle. When I rev
the motor or begin driving the headlight brightness increases, when I stop
at a stop sign the lights get very dim.

Also the battery began to no longer hold a charge. - slowly became
difficult to start over a few weeks.

I brought the battery in for testing and was told it was shot. I had it
replaced last week and it began to start brightly again, but then I noticed
it started to start harder again after a few days, and the light dimming
was still there.

I then ordered a new regulator from my FLAPS - it was an aftermarket exact
replica of a 1970 bus regulator - more square and boxy than the typical
bosch t3 regulator. - the computer insisted this was the right part for the
1970 t3 even though I questioned the Type 2 part number (211) - I replaced
it into my car and began driving it and started smelling burnt wiring after
about a block, so I parked it again.

What gives. Can I use the older style regulator on a FI T3? What is causing
my lights to change intensity based on my engine rpm?

Thanks,
Chris
1970 Fastback FI
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