i have been dealing with charging system issues on my 780 with a B280. Its obvious that the alternator isn't delivering a charge so just in case,i've ordered a new set of brushes and voltage regulator. However there are a couple of things that have me wondering if it's somthing more simple then that.

First, even with the battery fully charged the gauge on the dash barely climbs out of the red,doesnt seem to be indicating the 13+/- volts that a voltmeter accross the terminals confirms. I assuemd that the gauge was just at fault. However, even when the battery gets REALLY low, 11.5+/- volts, the battery light on the dash NEVER comes on.

When looking though my books, i have found a grounding wire/strap referenced, but i dont see one anywhere near the alternator, so i assume that it grounds through the block? or is this wrong on this motor? Also, i must confess that i can't tell which wire goes to the dash. There are two there, one goes to the oil pressure gauge and one goes to the alternator. Any ideas on how i could test which is which? I have assumed that i have them reversed and swapped them around, but the only difference i can see in the operation of the idiot lights is that with one wire ALL the lights come on, the other way none come on.

Thank you all AGAIN,
Jesse Erickson