I bought a '67 Camaro that has been stored for the past 14 years. Replaced the gas tank, line, fuel pump and rebuilt the carb. Changed all the fluids and got it running, not great but running. Problem is the generator light stays on. I've put a volt meter on the battery and it reads 14 + volts.. When the car is running the battery reads 16 plus volts. Everything I read says the battery should be 12+ volts and when the car is running 14+ volts. Not sure why the battery when the car isn't running reads 14 when it should be around 12?? My understanding is that if the voltage goes up when the car is running that alternator is working. If the voltage from the alternator exceeds the voltage of the battery that the generator light shouldn't come on, yet it does.

Could it be the voltage regulator? Doesn't explain the 14 volts from the battery. I've checked all the grounds, all look good and tight and not corroded and the correct size wires. One thing that did happen was I caused a short working on the lights. Yes I know I should disconnect the battery. The only damage was the ground wire on the voltage regulator got fried, I replaced the wire and couldn't find any other damage.

Any thoughts on what else I could check? Is there a way to check the voltage regulator?

Thanks for assistance.

Ed

. .

 

Replace VR. If you like, replace it with an electronic one and swap cover making it look original. You might even rap the OE VR with a soft hammer to loosen the relays.
Or you might disconnect the VR and alternator plug and reconnect getting a better conductance path from corrosion.
Battery is being overcharged, hence the 14 volts when off.
After running for some time, battery case, on the side should feel hot.

If you look into older, period correct, MOTOR'S Manuals, it gives a reading of VR cover temp of 125°F, battery voltage shall be between 13.5-14.4 volts.
Internal to the VR, a relay has not closed turning off the GEN light.

 

Good call! Replaced the voltage regulator and that fixed the voltage to the battery and turned off the generator light.

Thanks, Ed

 

You're welcome,
Good deal - enjoy the drive.