John:

I left my voltmeter back in CT (3 hrs away), so I have been using the instrument panel gauge for a reading. I realize it isn't the most accurate equipment for the job, but it seems to work well enough to tell me my battery is being overcharged by the alternator.

So, if my brushes were shot AND my regulator was dying, would that cause my alternator's output to drop and fluctuate at idle, and overcharge at highway speed with the tach around 2700-3000? If so, and I buy a new regulator, is there a reason to buy a bosch? Does a new regulator part# 1 197 311 022 (Bosch EL 14V 4C) come with a new brushes, or do I need to buy them separately? The one in the 82-88 740/760 Haynes matches mine and seems to have the brushes built in.

The ground in back seems to be the consensus here, I'll clean it up asap. I've been doing some work back there, so maybe it got corroded or came a little loose or something.

Seems odd that I would start loosing presets only as I have this battery problem. My original volvo radio has worked great since day 1. I'll have to see if it continues after I fix the alternator.

Thanks,
Rick