Thanks '440sixpack, cucu et al. Your help is much appreciated.
I plan on bypassing the bulkhead connector on the high current wires and will make sure the Voltage regulator is grounded. Is there a test to check a VR for proper function.
Funny thing is I worked as an electrican for a couple years and spent two years in school studying electrical construction. That was 1981 when I was 21. I am used to a white neutral wire to complete circuits.
Glenn