[jocko]

installed a new alternator, holds steady at about 14V. Once I semi-confirmed that was the problem, I installed a new batt anyway since it was pretty old (but still good). It will go in a tractor and the deader batt from the tractor will be the core trade in. Anyway, all's well that ends well. Thanks for the comments gents, much appreciated. Hope my alternator lasts, it's a Chinese Pep Boys version... BARELY fit in stock location, the through-bolt lands were a few thou too wide to fit in the same spot where the original was. A little wigglin and it's in finally. I think it may be new tensioner time also, almost couldn't get the belt back on - full twist one the tensioner and it just barely went back on, ha. Always something. Anyway, thanks again.