waiter;

I need some clarification...and have some comments...

1. By "14v was measured @ the regulator off the generator" I presume you mean measured at D+ or B+ terminals of regulator with engine running (generator putting out, pulling system voltage to 14V). This is normal and to be expected.

2. "resistance check that measured 10ohm " measured where? 10 Ohms to chassis (measured at VS power output terminal/input wire of gauges?) would work out to a load in excess 1 Amp...WOW! that sounds quite high to me (refer to my first post)...way more than I would expect....working out the power calculation of P=VxI (where V is the 4V dropped across VS, and I is the 1+ Amp drawn through, we get some numbers which would indicate that the VS would be dissapating around 5W...so I expect it would be running hot as a pistol too!! (Right until it croacked!)...don't inadvertently burn your tootsies! Did "volvo dealer service tech " suggest what value to expect?

I suggest this is where you should continue your investigation...try seperating power wire to gauges, and getting individual resistance readings for each gauge...I'm thinking one gauge may be responsible for the low reading/excessive load on VS leading to its miserable death by cooking!

3. "back feeding"...I would worry about that at this point...this is a pretty straightforward circuit, but cleaning and tightening any chassis connections involved can never hurt.

3. "The gauges, when they worked, did shut off as they should with the key." ...this is expected...VS input is a IGN function.

Re. Nebraska... I visited Bridgeport/Scotts Bluff in the mid 80's...beautiful country...and I'm amazed and impressed that you have a Volvo there in the first place...

Good Hunting