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Running without my voltage regulator connected, I get a solid 12v at my fuse box and the truck runs amazing. Plug the voltage regulator in and s*** hits the fan. Truck has a hard time running, give it any gas and the voltage spikes up to 20v at the fuse box which in turn kills my radio and fuel pump causing the motor to sputter and nearly die. I
replaced the voltage regulator, assuming that was the problem, but sure enough, assuming made an ass of me.

Any ideas what my problem could be? I'm thinking possibly a bad ground or a bad alternator. Then I wondered if perhaps a dirty/rusty fuse box could have something to do with it, maybe it ups the resistance on the regulator causing it to spike? Also debated just switching out the alternator for a newer one that already has a voltage regulator in it. Gonna look around the site and see what an install like that entails, especially the wiring portion. Anywho, if this problem sounds familiar and you know the fix.. I would be forever grateful.

Many electrical gremlins disappear when you do the fuse box fix. If you haven't, do that first.

Is the best cleaning done by dis assembling and using a wire brush and some kind of solvent? Any recommendations?