British-Cars.org

Welcome to the DMR Site for British Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Regulator conversion

Hi All,
Can anybody help ? I need to replace the voltage regulator on my 1950 TD. So my question has anybody done a solid-state conversion and if so how is it done.
I have been advised to simply replace it with a Motorola alternater solid-state regulator does this make any sense.
Thanks
Bob
R J Orchard

There must be a little more to it than that. Alternators require voltage from the battery to excite the field. Generators don't need this.

A diode can replace the cutout relay, but the regulator relay is another matter. It sits there buzzing away controlling the current fed to the field coils. It's always a wonder to me how they have lasted as long as they have.

If you go analog to control the field current you wind up with a bunch of heat to get rid of.
Cheers,
Bob
Bob Jeffers

Bob (Orchard) -- Bob (Jeffers) is being modest. He does an outstanding job of converting relay regulators to solid state units for a very reasonable price. I've had one for a few years and am totally satisfied. Bud
Bud Krueger (TD10855)

Bob (Orchard), count me as another satisfied customer who had their regulator converted to solid state by Bob (Jeffers). By the way, Bob J's web site is http://wiltonae.com/home/index.aspx Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Bob, the conversion from a DC generator with a separate alternator such as the TD has, to an alternator with a built in regulator circuit is fairly common in some makes of LBCs such as the big Healey. For some reason it does not seem to be happening with the T series, or I am not aware of it.

The conversion on a Healey requires a different mounting bracket, an alternator and a different pulley for the drive belt, and some wiring changes.
Kits are available for the Healey.

The old voltage regulator is abandoned, generally with it's gutted housing being used as a terminal box.

Advantages are more power output, power output at idle, less maintenance problems such as the generator brushes, as well as gaining the solid state regulator built in the alternator.
Dallas Congleton

Dakkas,

You don't see the conversion to alternator often in T cars because of the mechanical Tach Drive on the generator which is not available on stock alternators.

And some of us originality nuts couldn't be perswaded.

Don Harmer

TD 28929 has a Bob Jeffers solid state regulator in it, and it works great. This is another one of those situations where our cars can benefit from modern technology. The solid state conversion is not visible unless the cover is removed.
D. Sander

i have a bob jeffers solid state conversion regulator too! with the cover in place it looks totally stock. regards, tom
tom peterson

This thread was discussed between 10/07/2011 and 11/07/2011

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join this live forum now