[bobcowan]

The alternator gets pretty hot to the touch, but they usually do. The voltage regulator is on the firewall, in a spot that doesn't get much heat. I'v been driving this car for 7 years in the same configuration, and never had a problem.

I installed a new alternator and regulator a couple of weeks ago.

I tested the battery - both static and loaded, hot and cold. All tests came out well within specs.