Voltage Reg/Rec Temperature Question

[E36 Phantom]

My VRR failed and melted my wires and connector, so I finally got my new VRR and installed it after clipping off the old connector and burnt segments of wires.

Good news: Fired right up and had excellent charging voltage
Bad news: After about 120 seconds of running, I checked on the VRR and it was too hot to even touch.

Question - is that normal?! What is the operating temp of the VRR? And is this a sign something else is failing and putting too much stress on the VRR, and what would be the best way to troubleshoot this? Thanks!

 

[sabreguy801]

My experience is pretty limited but here are some observations I have made recently. I am kind of paranoid about the whole alternator business so I watch it closely.

August 18, 2011

Fast idle
At Start After Warm-up (Fan on)
Alternator 105-109 133
R/W wire 136-219 166
Yellow 118-122 121
VRR 136-155 149
Battery 14.9 13.2

Replaced 3 connectors to VRR, used dielectric grease

Sept 4, 2011

Alternator 134 139
Wires 115 133
VRR 160 169
Battery 14.9 15.0

I would recommend taking every connector off and clean it then use some dielectric grease on each one. ANY dirt or grease on a connector is not good.