Electrical Issues and where's the voltage regulator?

[thomast]

I posted this in the "Stupid Questions" thread as well.

Is it possible to have a generator without having a voltage regulator? In our 1970 Bay Window, we're having electrical issues with the van running fine then dying and then won't start. This morning I went out and the van, which was running fine yesterday, was dead. I jump started it and it ran for about 10 minutes, then just quit. I tried jumping it again with no luck. When I turn the key when trying to jump start it, there is only a faint oil light that shows, but nothing else works and it won't turn over. Started to investigate and realize that there is no voltage regulator in the engine bay. Could it be in another location? In our bus, the positive wire (D+ post?) on the generator goes directly to the starter. When I look at Voltage Regulator diagrams, they show it going from the generator to the voltage regulator and then to the starter. I'm pretty lost when it comes to electrical stuff obviously. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
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1986 Westy Syncro SVX
1970 Bay Window

[mikedjames]

That sounds like a non functional alternator or generator.
It is doing nothing.

The alternator may be a type with an internal regulator which has failed.
Or an alternator with an external regulator where either the alternator or the regulator has failed.
Or the regulator is missing.
Or the bulb is missing or blown or there is a bad connection to the warning bulb on the dash (VERY LIKELY the simplest fault.)

When you turn the key to ignition on withut cranking , both the oil pressure light and the alternator warning light should light.

Once the engine runs both lights should be off, if you blip the throttle ..
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Ancient vehicles and vessels

1974 VW T2 : Devon Eurovette camper with 1641 DP T1 engine, Progressive carb, full flow oil cooler, EDIS crank timed ignition.
Engine 1: 40k miles (rocker shaft clip fell off), Engine 2: 30k miles (rebuild, dropped valve). Engine 3: a JK Preservation Parts "new" engine, aluminium case: 26k miles: new top end.
Gearbox rebuild 2021 by Bears.

1979 Westerly GK24 24 foot racer/cruiser yacht Forethought of Gosport.
1973 wooden Pacer sailing dinghy

[busdaddy]

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=10219327#10219327
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[thomast]

Thanks so much for the help!
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1986 Westy Syncro SVX
1970 Bay Window