1-instead of cranking it 'till it starts, do this-key on, key off, key on, key, off, etc. every time you turn the key, you should hear the fuel pump. this primes the system. by repeating the key turn, you can make up for the lost fuel pressure and volume so it will start when you finally go to start. but, get the accumlator so you don't wear out the ignition switch. don't wait a year, do it soon.

2-get the gauges and the instructions will tell you where to test it. must be a set for the cis(american speak) k-jet(proper bosch label) injection system. 1 gauge on a tee assembly with a valve to direct fuel from 1 leg or the other to the gauge itself. lotsa brass fittings for all the kjet applications-vw, volvo, bme, mercedes, etc., that used kjet from the 70s into the 90s.

3-READ CAREFULLY-just because the regulator is new doesn't mean the alternator(generator you say) is working. if you have a seperate reg. on the inner fender, there's a test involving the harness at the reg. and a jumper wire. if you have a reg. with the brush holder, on the back of the alt., that's newer, like 81 or so and the rest of this paragraph is moot. i forget which 2 wires you jump but once done, then check the charging voltage. should be maxed at 14.5v or so. if not, needs an alternator. piece of advice-look at the alt. itself and find the brand. bosch is ok but can be tired. BUT IF YOU SEE MARCHAL ON THE ALTERNATOR-THROW IT AWAY AND GET A BOSCH. at the dealer in 76 or so, we had alot of problems with marchals. volvo finally got tired of the warranty problems in 78 or 79 and said bosch is the only alt. we will put on the cars. with 86k, a marchal on a 76 wouldn't suprise me. bosch wouldn't either as they both were installed as factory. also, make sure the battery cables are intact. on the back of the alt. there's a little red wire. pull it off, turn the key on and check the voltage on the wire with a meter. no test lights. you need at least 12v at that wire with the key on. otherwise, the alt. won't work. no power-broken wire, connector, bad instrument cluster connnection or solder, maybe bad ignition switch-all pretty rare except for the aire connector at the alt.

4-when you have a 2nd problem-make a 2nd post. someone reading this thread may not get this deep on a running problem. charging problem-new post. you get the message. makes it easier for more people to post, search and learn. good luck, chuck.