I tried to search for this, but really could not find anything that helped me solve my problem with my 1984 toyota 4-runner daily driver

I have replaced the battery / checked all of the fuses (under hood & dash) / replaced the Alt. 3-4 times / and have gone through 2 voltage regulators. For some reason something is frying the voltage regulator and I can't find it. About 10 mins ago I re-mounted the grounds and made sure that the connecting surfaces were clean. cranked the truck up and it started charging. Walked in the house for about 2 mins (while truck was running) .... went back out and the charging stopped.......voltage regulator was extremely hot and the smell of wires melting coming from it.I just can't figure this thing out.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

 

Do you have a multi meter? I would get the wiring diagram and test all the different connections in that circuit. Does it have a relay? change that out too, those things always wear out. I dont really have any more ideas, just make sure it's not something like reversed polarities somewhere or something that seems obvioius.