IMPORTANT POINT - in my problem it was NOT getting a new voltage regulator that solved the problem. It was having the voltage regulator properly insulated from the firewall. So, I guess the check is to verify that you have no continuity from the VR to the firewall. One of the little rubber pieces on the screw that attached the old VR to the firewall dried out and allowed the screw to contact the VR case. Case closed. Thanks again for all the help team.
