Load Meter Issue and Test Plan

[southallb]

1967 180 C - during last flight I caught the load meter starting to rise, so I shut off the strobes...it dropped back to normal, then slowly dropped to 0.
I landed about 15 minutes later, and during taxi, the load meter indicated a load, but wouldnt react to pitot heat (my normal run up check) or other loads.
I suspect the Voltage regulator...
I only have the master switch, no separate Alternator switch.
I am headed over today to take some voltage readings - here is my plan.
Step 1 - Verify fully charged battery (~12.5 volts)
Step 2 - Verify battery voltage at the master switch - Master Switch Off
Step 3 - Verify battery voltage across master switch - Master Switch On
Step 4 - Verify Voltage Regulator input (from circuit buss) is approximately Master Switch voltage.
Step 5 - Check Field Current Voltage at Alternator - I am assuming its similar to a car, in that the Alternator should be magnetized once the master is on, if the field current is getting to it.
check all connections for corrosion, tightness, etc.

What am I missing? Other checks?
Thanks

 

[donkep]

 

[Tweety]

 

[southallb]

 

[Ray93J]

 

[southallb]

 

[Ray93J]

 

[southallb]

 

[guzziguy]

 

[Ray93J]