Can field short to ground fry alternater?

The alt is probably fine, the voltage regulator, that's another thing.

BUT FIRST.

20 QUESTIONS TIME....

  1. what car
  2. What year
  3. What engine
  4. What alternator ( "1 wire", 1 field wire, 2 field wires)
  5. What voltage regulator (electronic with "V" shaped connector, or mechanical clip on / screw on connector)
  6. What wiring modifications
  7. Anything else you can think of