Alternator over charging or bad regulator?

[wags6370]

I have a 70 D100 pickup on which I recently installed a new voltage regulator and battery. Thinking I wouldn't be surprised by a dying alternator I'd get it checked out. Turns out the alternator is putting out about 16 volts. The guys at the shop where I had the check done told me that it was charging too high and I should get it replaced. A friend who is a motor head says there is nothing wrong with the alternator, the voltage regulator isn't working. Which do I trust? Is there a break-in period on the voltage regulator? It had only been on for a day or two when I checked the voltage and I don't drive the truck very often.

Thanks for the help.

Jonathan

[digdoug]

Have your friend check things out.

[surfnuke9]

with the engine running, check the voltage at the battery. If it is much above 14.5 volts and much below 12.5 volts, the regulator isnt working right.

If your alternator puts out 16 unregulated, then it is fine.