Steve J - Checked voltage at ballast resistor, it is switched/key-on.
Went back to VR again and cleaned both in-line connectors, one had more corrosion. Reassembled and my bk/wh wire is now switched voltage. Didn't click when I reconnected the VR but haven't started and run it yet. Next planned step was to check contacts in ignition switch.
You jumped in to the middle of a thread with several comments about new VR's. So, confusion.
Zed, Sorry you're confused. I jumped in on a "current drain" question where you suspect the VR. I have same voltage drain when connecting VR and thought sharing another symptom would help us all with repair. Thanks for what you do on the forum, 17.2k is amazing.
I agree if they're selling bad Z parts let us know brand/source.