Electrical gremlins are back

[Birddog75]

A few years ago I freshened up my engine compartment. I purchased a new battery and a nice Napa H/D ($50) voltage regulator. Soon after I was having issues with the 70 bronco not starting. Sometimes the battery would be dead from the initial start. A few times it would start fine and I would drive it to the store, come out and it wouldn't start. The battery would seem to drain after one day if I didn't drive it. Voltage testing the battery it seemed like the alternator was working. I still decided to replace the alternator anyway. Was still having the same issues. Somewhere in that time frame I also smoked my fusible link. I also replaced my ignition switch thinking that could be staying on a draining battery. Still same issues. After reading multiple posts on similar problems and I kept hearing members say replace the voltage regulator because they constantly go out. Even though mine was new and very expensive, I replaced it with a $12 Toms regulator. The bronco fired right up and has ran perfect for the last year, until the other night. I drove at night for first time with the lights on. As soon as I stopped at the store and got back in, it cranked hard and barley started. The next morning it barely turned over and the alternator is not charging the battery. Something with the headlights caused some damage. Did I fry my voltage regulator? Any thoughts? I seems like this is directly related to the headlights.

 

[Justafordguy]

You may want to install a headlight relay setup from one of the vendors. It's a great upgrade and takes all the load off of the headlight switch and the old wiring.

Also you can check your alternator by by-passing the regulator (full fielding the alternator). That will tell you if the regulator is dead again.

 

[gnpenning]

Let's eliminate the guessing game. Get a voltmeter and start testing. This will save you money and frustration. If you don't know how to test that is fine. Get the meter and we can walk you through the process.