Steve Reeves wrote: ...Is there any danger in me bypassing the
overvoltage to check to see if that is causing a problem.  This would
be strictly a ground runup for a couple of minutes.  Thanks.

Steve,
Assuming you are using a B&C regulator, suggest you give them a call at
(316) 283-8000. I recently had a question about power draw on my standby B&C
alternator and they were both responsive and very helpful. Tim Hedding is
their chief engineer, but I expect others there can help as well.  

BOB
PS: I don't know the answer to your question. I suspect that if you have a
serious overvoltage condition you could cause damage to the regulator,
wiring or other components; if it's a short-duration, intermittent
condition, probably not. If you haven't carefully checked your ground
leads--everything associated with the alternator/regulator/battery
wiring--do this again. This is a common cause of overvoltage spikes. Good
Luck--I know from experience that these things can be very tricky to
isolate.