How to test alternator voltage regulator?

[matt4pl]

I just killed a 2nd alternator. My 1st one died about 2 months ago. it would barely charge. my new one triggered the batt light (1st one did not). i checked it then since i was at my mechanic's shop and it was putting out 13.9v. i drove it around for a week and a half about before seeing any effects. then within about two days it crapped out completely to the point where i had to drive home with no headlights just to keep the car runnin. I have an oil leak in the front main bearing where the pulley is and it sprays oil everywhere but the belts were dry. There was some oil in the alternator i believe. My freind suggested that it also might be the voltage regulator. I'm not sure what else to check. The wires running to and from the alt seem fine and i also have a grounding kit wire running to the alt negative terminals.

[artemous]

Check to see if you have an intermittent open in the positive cable to the battery or the field current wires. If any cut in and out it will fry the alt. Also check the steady charging aperage on the alternator. Something may be drawing to much and overloading it. Check for opens and shorts in all the wires and check resistance on the terminals of the alt. Should find specs in the manual.

Have the battery tested, is it shorting? That will overload the alt.

Lastly, don't buy a $59.95 cheapo rebuild from the local auto house. Go with a big name such as bosch, denso, neihoff, oem, etc.

[sparkplugs.com]

Here's the Denso alternator pt#s:210-3132 - w/ fog lights210-3125 - w/o fog lights

[matt4pl]

well the alternator was fried due to oil contamination. go a new seal and had the alt rebuilt to 100 amp instead of the 80 stock (model without fog lights) its got a lifetime warrany so w/e. thanks a lot though