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This is what the service manual for my 1989 Mercury says about testing the voltage regulator... "Check battery voltage at battery with engine running. If battery voltage is above 14.5 volts, replace voltage regulator. Check condition of battery as overcharging may have damaged battery" There are more steps to test the amps, should be between 7-9 amps output (with running voltage at battery 13.5 or less for test accuracy).