Hello and thanks for any potential help. I just bought a 1970 F100 Short Bed and had a new alternator installed. The black ground wire is overheating, enough to melt the insulation. I increased the wire gauge but still overheating. Meter shows the alternator is charging the battery. I moved the ground wire to connect directly to the battery terminal but no change. This is my first older vehicle so I'm learning. Any suggestions? Again, thank you.

 

Have you checked the voltage and amperage output with a meter? The regulator could be stuck in full charge.
Voltage should be 13.8-14.2. Amps 60 at full charge

 

Voltage is 14.8 with engine running. So maybe I should replace the voltage regulator?

 

I would say that’s too high and more th as n likely the regulator is stuck. If you run it long enough you would prob see moisture on top the battery from it boiling