Getting a discharge light with my new solid state regulator

[bakersam]

Recently purchased a solid state 6V regulator from Wolfsburg West. Straight forward installation, but when I start the engine the battery discharge light stays on. Pull the ground lead off the battery and the engine stops dead confirming what the light's telling me. Appears to be the same connection layout as the old regulator so I'm baffled as to what's going on here. Anyone have any thoughts?

[KTPhil]

Good ground on the regulator?

[bakersam]

Phil,

I think so. Same connections as with the old regulator and bolted onto the generator as with the old one.

[bakersam]

PS. Discharge light will eventually go out if you run the rpm up high enough. Not old generator brushes either. Just put a new set in a couple weeks ago.

[KTPhil]

Beats me, then! I'd call Wolfsburg West and ask them before doing anything further that might void a warranty.
Nobody's perfect; give them a chance to make it right.

[bakersam]

Phil,

Thanks. Probably the wisest course of action.

Regards,

Sam

[busdaddy]

Why did you replace the regulator?
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[bakersam]

A solid state regulator sounded like a more reliable design than the old electromechanical system. Old regulator was working ok and the discharge light went out at idle. Clearly the solid state one wants more juice before it cuts off the battery which certainly isn't any improvement over the old one.

[tisius]

I think that sounds like a plausible explanation.
If you set the idle speed too low with a stock regulator, the discharge light can come on at idle as well.
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[JPB1]

This happens with mine on the '53, increase the choke on starting (increase idle) no problems. Seems that you have to be above the std 800 rpm for the regulator to cut in. Apart from that, it works just fine.

(note it you using LEDs on the speedo panel, which I am, you will get a low-level glow, due to their voltage sensitivity, but when they are on, you'll clearly notice the difference - way better than tungsten bulbs, and less juice)

[bakersam]

Would that it was just low rpm. When it starts, the discharge goes out as expected. Then in a few seconds it begins to glow brighter and brighter until it's fully illuminated. No amount of rpm will put this out. Replaced the generator brushes and double checked both are properly seated. Tried both the solid state and old electromechanical regulators with no improvement. Checked the belt for looseness...even checked the pulley key to ensure it hadn't sheared. Well at least I know it isn't the solid state regulator....

[DDub]

Put the original back on and send this one back.