[Chrysler300] Zappnin

["Rich Barber" <c300@xxxxxxx>]

I ran a little test on my 1955 Chrysler C-300 to see where its current and
Voltage  regulator is set regarding Voltage.  After a quick, easy, few-turn
start; Voltage at the HD lead-acid battery terminals was 7.54 Volts at fast
idle with a small charging current indicated on the dash ammeter.  After a
14 mile drive through city-freeway-city streets without lights on, the
Voltage was 7.11 at the battery with a fast idle.  The dash ammeter was
centered, indicating zero-to minimal charging current.

The 1955 Chrysler Service Manual indicates the Voltage regulator "must
control the Voltage at 7.1 to 7.4 Volts at 70 degrees F at fast idle (30 mph
equivalent-I make this 1,170 RPM with a 29" OD tire and the 3.54
differential) and 10 Amps output".   I don't have a tach, but I feel my car
idles about that fast in neutral.  I have to set the RPM up to keep it from
dying when in gear.  It may be doing about 700 RPM in Drive. 

Question:  does the torque converter in the 1955 C-300 essentially lock up
at some steady speed, or is there always slippage?  Given the 29" OD tires,
the beast would be doing 130 MPH at 5,070 RPM--Just under the hemi's 5,200
RPM rating.

I feel the lead-acid battery is pretty tolerant and flexible and that my
system is working OK.  The Optima folks seem to be a little sensitive about
limiting charging current and voltage, indicating they may have smoked a few
and are warning us. A digital Voltmeter plugged into the cigar lighter would
seem to be an easy and reasonable way to monitor system Voltage.

BTW, The Service Manual does not list a separate current and Voltage
regulator for the 300's, but does list AutoLite part number VBE-6001A for
Windsors and New Yorkers.  My current and Voltage regulator appears to be an
AutoLite VBE-6201A or more likely a VBF-6201A with Chrysler part number
1641510 which is correct as per the parts book.

My generator is a GGW-6016D Chrysler part # 1604831.  The GGW-6016D
generator appears to be a 45-Amp unit for a Windsor or NY with power
steering.  The parts book gives this the part #1604825.  A 55-Amp generator
was also available for Windsors and NY's with any combination of p/s
and/or/nor a/c.   It would seem likely the 55-Amp generator may have been a
factory option for the 300.  Gil?  The 55-Amp generators require a different
current and voltage regulator.

Lastly:  I bought a generator that I thought would serve as a spare as it
was advertised for all 1955 Chrysler products.  It turns out it is a 45-Amp
unit only for MoPar models P26, D56, D55-3 and S-22.  '55 6-cyl Ply & Dodge,
V-8 Custom Royal and DeSoto Firedome--without power steering.  Let me know
if this fits any of your chase cars--I'll take a beating on it and chalk it
up to education.

C-300'ly,
Rich Barber
Brentwood, CA

 
-----Original Message-----
From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Mke Galassi
Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2007 12:06 AM
To: Chrysler Club
Subject: [Chrysler300] More on 6V Optima

 
  Thanks to Richard, Warren and John for your answers. After sending the
mail and reading the 55 manual on adjusting, I telephoned tech support at
Optima. The tech agreed that their instruction is somewhat confusing. He
said to measure the voltage at the regulator, BAT TERM and it should be
7.1V, if so the charging current should be OK. Following the manual I hooked
up DVM and AM to make a voltage reg test. The hood is off so I let the car
run in the garage and walked 5mi. The Voltage did not drop below 7.6; the AM
showed 9-10amps. the dash AM was about just past center mark. There is a
procedure in the manual to adjust the Volt Reg, I am very hesitant to start
making the bends to the spring mount as illustrated. Will call AAB again and
see what he says. All this is to hang onto their 7 yr warranty and hope the
battery outlives me. 
   
  PS John your regulator may be set different and you may not be
overcharging your optimas. 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



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