I don't think it's a bad earth as I've checked/replaced/added earth wires recently. I know 14.4 volts will be enough to charge the battery but it only charges at 14.4 after the battery disconnect trick i mentioned earlier. I'm about 95% sure it's the regulator now (yes it is eternal.. i traced the wiring harness).

I'm pretty sure I just killed/overloaded the regulator. The battery now keeps getting higher and higher charge. I chickened out when the multimeter read just over 16 volts and killed the engine. Now the left side indicator lights are stuck on all the time (not flashing) and half the idiot lights on the dashboard stay lit after you start the engine. I think i might have killed the flasher can and possibly other electrics <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Oh yeah, as suggested I tried seeing what the current draw was when battery disconnected/engine off and it's only about 20Ma