The GEN light didn't come in until I replaced the regulator, which is odd but apparently, not uncommon, taking into account these places are selling remanufactured junk. There were also some other never before heard noises on the ride home with the "new" VR, whiny alternator and battery that was low on water....
Or we'll see today. Left work early and swapped the alternator with the one I returned this week. I also replaced the ground strap with a new one from Todd Miller. Started the car and the GEN light flickered for a bit before finally shutting off. The multimeter read around 14.6 ish for a bit and then spiked to 17.50. I shut it down and the battery immediately began boiling. So, I pulled it out and brought it with me to go pick up the Harrison heater core I had redone. While there, I had the guy test the battery (just to make sure) and it tested fine. So, back I go... While driving back, it dawns on me that the GEN light (as well as some weird noises I'd never previously heard) was never an issue until the "new" voltage regulator was installed. I decided to put the 50 year old one back on and what do you know?? Moral of the story: these parts stores/suppliers are peddling absolute garbage. Two alternators and a voltage regulator later and I'm back in business.
Brett, what vendor did you get these through? You can PM me that info if you don't want to blast it on the forum. I only ask as I'm debating replacing the factory one i have. Anyway to know how to test the regulator before installing?
It was some guy at the swap meet I was at. He sells all kinds of the smaller electrical parts at swaps all over the country. He's had the same vendor spot across from us since the early 90's, so maybe it was just a lemon? Trouble is, I've incurred too many lemons as of late. My date coded alternator will be here tomorrow. Stellar just went through it and it looks better than new. I also talked to him about refurbishing an extra voltage regulator I have, so we'll see how that plays out. Maybe find an extra that's correct for your car and send it out to get the guts upgraded? I don't know how to test them. Maybe someone will chime in.
I do have American Made Voltage Regulators that we've used on our restoration projects and so far have never had a problem. I also stock the correct BUICK Ground Straps that Brett mentioned. These differ from most because one side has a bigger hole to attach to the Buick Cylinder Head! All can be seen at https://www.diecastmusclecars.com/buick_electrical_parts.htm
I thought about that. It's definitely my fault, too. I was scrambling to get it squared away. Nothing good happens when you rush. If you have the big car part number handy - and post it - I'd most likely recognize it.