thanks Jerry for your thoughts. I did polarize it (or attempt to) - but the question is "properly"? I don't know.. i kept the jumper connection for only 1/2 second or so... perhaps that was too short? no harm in doing it again. i will try the 'no wire' test on the generator.
as far as the regulator - two of them are essentially new. should be no problem with cleanliness of the points. i tried a 3rd, an old one that came with the truck when i got it in 2006.. it looks a little more "used", but not bad. however it didn't correct the problem either.
this problem has me puzzled.. everything is new/replaced and the system stubbornly refuses to charge. I hope the field-grounding test confirms the generator is good - and i suspect it will because it spun fine when tested as a motor.
Tom
