As one mechanically challenged, I figured my generator was dying when my lights went dim and my battery all but died.

But I cleaned the contact from negative post of the battery to body. Cleaned the posts on the generator and the terminals of the wires to the voltage regulator. Also taped off unused wires what were sticking out of various harnesses.

Now I am in process of replacing the three wires from generator to regulator as old ones are 43-years-of-dirty. Also replacing the current KMart-special positive battery wire with nice heavy gauge stuff and new ends.

After a good battery charge, tested the voltage and, guess what, generator is fine. It must have been the contacts.

So, just a word to the other newbies——before you start replacing electrical components, clean thoroughly with wire brush and reconnect using something like Penetrox anti-corrosive.