PLEASE HELP! voltage not being regulated?

[bees]

im currently having a bit of an issue with my electrical system. my headlights have been blowing pretty often. after attempting to diagnose it, i noticed that i was getting a high voltage output (15-16v). took the alternator in and it checked fine (~14.21 @ ~5k rpm). are there any other devices/places on the vehicle that would regulate the voltage? i dont understand how the voltage could jump from what it was putting out during the test to what it puts out while operating on my car. any help is appreciated. thanks

[bees]

did another check this morning after reinstalling the alternator. 17.53v with engine running and 14.85v with engine not running. could it be my battery?

[EDT007]

It's the alternator, swap it out. I had similar issues.

[greenman100]

did another check this morning after reinstalling the alternator. 17.53v with engine running and 14.85v with engine not running. could it be my battery?

No, its your voltmeter. No battery will ever produce 14.85v engine off. Period.

[negrosx13]

dude at 17v...you're luck that battery pop in your face

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j48/faulknerm/001.jpghttp://www.castletonboatclub.com/doug/battery1.jpg