[VictorII]

Mechanical or electronic regulator? I stopped using mechanicals for that very reason when I still ran Harleys. They used the same type as the old Fords on the old Knucks and Shovels I used to play with. If they can be adjusted the vibration will knock them out of spec. I replace the electronic regulator whenever I replace the alternator. I run at 14.3 volts when above idle. I think that mght be why you are boiling your battery. Another poster suggested buzzing the wires and I think that is a good idea as well. You can use an ohmmeter to be sure that all of the wires are okay. If you have never replaced the wires or connectors be ready to replace some of the connectors. The copper wire is sensivite to vibratition and breaks at the connectors pretty easily. If you have to crimp on a new connector, be sure that the copper wire is very clean so you get a good connection between the crimped connector and the wire. Sandpaper or gentle scraping will expose fresh copper.