Mechanical regulator issue..

So i started my motor for the first time tonight (only for bout 5 seconds... only flare i did was the fuel line.. and it's my only leak. i suck) but.. i noticed with the key on my VR was letting out some magic smoke. It's probably the original from '62 even not it has sat since 1978.. i took it apart before putting it back in and it looked brand new inside.

My main question is, i had the 12v side hooked up but not the field wire (lost the screw and haven't gotten another yet) could that cause it? I don't think it's a ground issue since if it didn't have a ground it wouldn't have smoked. Just wondering it was the field wires fault or prolly a bad part to start with?

BTW... saw nos VR's for like 150+ or a solid state cheapy for $15.. i know i shoulda went 1 wire but i have a new alternator now and would rather stay with it. go solid state?

Be aware that if you buy one of the new solid state regulators, there is a very strong possibility it will regulate at around 15 volts. If you are running points, I would look for an original mechanical style model.

The old mechanical VR's had a fusible link inside. This likely burned out, saving some of your wiring. This can likely be repaired by soldering a piece of fusible wire in. Pretty good indication of a wiring problem somewhere.

One of the resistors on the back gets hot during normal operation. If it has something on it than it may smoke until it's burned off.

Just went through this on a car that has sat for years. Regulator works fine and smoke stopped.

Or the whole thing may melt down.

I"m done with those solid state regulators, they like to go high 15 volts for a while, then just wide open 17 volts after that.

I just went out and checked the ign lug to ground and it showed as a dead short.. so that might be a issue I just ordered a nos C-600M delco off ebay.. will see how it goes. Thanks guys...

I’ve installed 2 mechanical VRs recently in my cars that I obtained from Halifaxhops. They were from two different companies and appeared un-used. One smoked a bit on first start up but quit after a minute or two. I didn’t notice any smoke off the other. Both are working fine and I suspect it’s just a bit of light oil or some type of preservation spray on the guts to prevent corrosion. And on first use it heats up and smokes off a bit. Mine work fine.