Chevrolet Repair: voltage regulator, air gap, air gaps

Question
I have a 1969 Chevy 1/2 ton pick up with a 383 stroker engine just put in. I put a new voltage regulator on, but it doesn't seem to change the charge on it. I read how to adjust the air gap and stuff, but when I took it to an auto parts store, it showed that the regulator isn't working right or that it's low. Can you tell me the exact gap for the air gap and other gap? I put air gap at .067 and the other one at .014. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Ron

Answer
Hello Ronnie,
First of all, if you replaced the regulator, and it didn't charge correctly, I sincerely doubt the air gaps were the problem. I would suspect either a signal from the ignition switch, or a problem with the alternator. Another possibility is the charging system is working, but the voltage just isn't getting to the battery.
If it charges through an ammeter, there could be a loose connection, either there, or somewhere else in the wiring between the battery, and the alternator.

I suggest you make a trip to the public library, and go to the refference section. They have more manuals than you can shake a stick at. Find the one that covers your system.

You will need to check the alternator, and the wires. I have found corroded connections in the big block through the firewall, where all the wires pass through, that just wouldn't allow the voltage from the alternator to get all the way to the battery. On some vehicles, the wire goes from the alternator, through the firewall, through an ammeter, back out through the firewall, and to the starter, or directly to the battery.

Some voltage measuring all along the system, as well as knowing what it should be at each point, will be required.

I assume you have had the alternator bench tested, or at least output tested on the engine?

Real quickly, the voltage at the Batt terminal of the alternator, and the voltage reading at the battery pos post should be the same. If you have it running, and the alternator is showing 14 volts at the alternators batt terminal, it should also show 14 at the battery itself.

Van