You left out "Lather".

And that's a question we may never have the answer for.....

 

Oh, I mentioned earlier that maybe I should try relocating that regulator somewheres else in the engine compartment. I'm not 100% sure why I think that might be a solution but heat is something that crossed my mind. Is there something about being mounted on that right fender wall that makes it hotter than other areas?? Is it damaging the regulators?? I feel no exhaust leaks shooting in that direction. It is located directly and next to the OBD1. I don't know. Just thinking out loud.

 

There just isn't much to a voltage regulator. If it were a heat related issue, I would think the PCM would be affected first....

 

And another thing. I put a new battery in that truck in December, 2021 (19 months old now). Now and again I'll check the voltage with my DMM on that thing after it has sat for a day or two or three. I always get right about 12.35v. I think I mighta got 12.5v once or twice but that was right after I turned off the truck. But it always settles back to 12.35v. Maybe I'm smokin' something but I always thought a healthy battery typically settled in at 12.6v. Always found that peculiar too.

 

That's what I would think too. The heat would mess with that OBD1 before the regulator. But then that OBD1 has a plastic case around it whilst the regulator has a metal case around it (with a resin back). Always wondered what the resin back was for.

 

So I took it out for a spin. This time it did the exact opposite of what it usually does. The gauge would dance while driving and hold steady while at a stop light. If I slap it in Park it begins dancing again. So again this departs from the pattern. I did the 30 min battery drain again. Started her up and the needle once again very slowly but steadily worked its way up again and held steady. Lights on or off didn’t change anything but when I hit the gas it would dance again. That regulator has to be wigging out. Gonna put in my NOS backup regulator tomorrow morning when it’s not so blessed hot and see what happens. Thanks HY. I’ll report back in the AM. I think you could be on to something.

 

If it is the regulator again, I would be REAL tempted to extend the wires, and mount it IN the cab of the truck.

 

Any particular reason?

 

Significantly milder environment.

 

Can’t argue that. Just have to find a spot inside. Nothing obvious immediately comes to mind. Wouldn’t have to mount to metal if I’m grounding via cable.