1983 W250 4x4 318 engine, Manual Transmission, 117,550 Miles and I am the Original Owner. I have a problem with the Charging system that I am struggeling with. I have replaced the Battery and the Alternator, The olny thing I have not changed is the Voltage Regulator,I think it was only a couple of years ago it was changed out, I did verify a good ground to the case of the regulator,I don't beleive its the problem. With the truck Running 2000 rpm I get only 12.2 to 12.4 VDC Measured at the Battery and as I put more Electrical load to it the Voltage keeps going down. The amp gauge in the Truck does not even flicker. I have a Factory Service Manual and I am a Liceneced Journeyman Electrican and my Test equipment is Fluke. I am now tracing out the wireing hopeing to find something, I have checked all the Fuseable links and they are fine. I have performed some of the testing as instructed in the service manual, some of the tests require special Dodge test equipment that I don't have. Is there a Simple Go or No go Test for the Alternator and the Voltage Regulator? It would seem so, however all of my electrical experence is in Contruction and Maintenance and not Automotive.

I had a Alternator / Battery Problem 5-6 years ago and ended up replaceing the Battery, Alternator and Voltage Regulator which fixed the problem, I only put about a 1000 miles a year on the Truck, Most of the Time it just sits.

Anyone have a simler Problems or sugestions? or a detailed explanation on how the Charging system works and any devices in the charging system that could cause a problem. Any Help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Craig