told u I am glad it all worked out

 

It's always a tiny freaking connection that causes all the big probs. Gald you found it. What a PITA!

 

PITA is right. I pulled the alternator twice and spent a few hours metering wires and fuses, etc. I would not have found this problem so soon had it not been for the few sparks.

 

GOTTA THANK THE WIFEY THATS WHY THEY ARE THERE

 

The funny part about that is after spending a few hours pulling the alternator and having it tested with the new regulator and then installing it, my wife wanted to start it for the first time. Ok, I said. She cranks it over and I see a fe flashes from under the car.
If not for that, I may have missed it. It wasn't visually apparent when checking the cables and they checked fine with a meter. It was just loose enough to cause a few sparks while cranking.

Thanks to all who offered advice andsuggestions. Much appreciated and made the job much, much easier.

 

I went through the whole VR replacement etc, looking for a similar prob. It turned out to be the arching of my pos cable, by the starter. I also went through a no start because the solenoid post was slightjy stripped for about an 1/8 inch, and would lose contact. It's just a freaking nightmare. lol

 

thats why we are for

 

"She cranks it over and I see a fe flashes from under the car."

Which cable was loose? The main positive or the smaller relay-activation line?

 

The main line leading to the alternator. The battery positive was fine but there was a little play in the alternator cable.