1977 F150 302; Battery Drain; Short Circuit
 

I have a drain on the battery. I recently disconnected the battery to recharge it. When I put it back in I noticed that the positive wire wasn't as tight as it should have been so tightened it. I then went to put on the negative cable. When I did the fusible link that runs from the alternator power wire to the starter relay burned. (Right before my eyes). I replaced the fusible link and ran the drain test described in other posts; (negative post to test light to negative cable). I got a light. When I pull the alternator harness, the light does not go out, until I pull the voltage regulator harness, then it does. If they are both pulled, no light. One or the other connected, light. I had the alternator tested at Autozone and it was okay. Could a faulty voltage regulator cause this problem, given the alternator harness causes the light to come on too? Can the alternator be bad (drawing a current), even though it checked okay? Does this mean they are both faulty? I can't even hook up the battery because I risk burning the fusible link again. Any suggestions?

I'd replace the regulator - they are usually the cause and are a cheap place to start...

Marty