Tom - A voltage reading of 5.40 volts says the battery is being discharged. And the ammeter pegging on the charge side at the same time says either the ammeter is wired up backward **or** the battery hot and ground cable connections are reversed. --- Here’s what I’d do: 1 - Double check the battery ground polarity: The ground cable should be on the battery POSITIVE post. 2 - Check for proper ammeter function: Turn on the ignition or lights without starting the engine. If the ammeter indicates discharge you are good. But if it indicates charge, swap the wires at the two ammeter posts. 3 - Make sure the regulator base is solidly grounded. If it’s at all questionable run a separate ground wire from the regulator base to a good ground - like where the grounded battery cable bolts to the frame. 4 - Repolarize the generator. (With the battery connected and the ignition off momentarily jumper the regulator BAT and GEN terminals.) --- Now start and run the engine. If the battery **still** does not charge the most likely problem is a bad regulator. Hope this helps!
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