problem solved - yellow wire into the connector was detached from the spade connector, making contact intermittently. thanks everyone for your help!

Ken

problem not solved - fixed the wiring, started driving, everything looked good, 5 minutes in, ammeter jumps up to +35-40..... returning regulator.

Any reason you haven't gone with an internally regulated alternator? There is a reason nobody has made mechanical voltage regulators for 40 years, they simply weren't that great of a technology when they were new. Not that I condone new parts failing like this.

Just go internally regulated alternator. Jump 2 wires or buy the plug from MSA..

http://www.atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/alternatorswap/index.html

would like to keep it stock, i'll give the regulator one more try.....

returned the regulator to motorsport z, they sent me a new one, free of charge. installed it, all looked good. drove to the grocery store, still good. left the grocery store, back up to 35+ amps.... is there something else this could be??

thanks

Ken

Are these solid state regulators or the old mechanical type? Maybe your alternator is frying the solid state regulators with voltage spikes from bad internals. Is your alternator case grounded well?

they are points type regulators, OEM style. I will check the alternator ground, although the schematic doesn't show a ground. not sure what would cause voltage spikes in an alternator?

another question, can i drive it to the z-bash ~ 30miles...