Electrical problem

[rayfast]

Okay, I'm looking for some help troubleshooting an electrical problem with my '86 MR2 NA 4AGE.

First, the car ran fine (no problems, electrical or otherwise) before the timing belt broke. I didn't have time to mess with it right away, so it sat for about a month before I replaced the belt. In the mean time, the key had been left in the on position where the wrecker driver left it.

After replacing the timing belt (also the spark plugs which were very clean but badly erroded, the wires, distributor cap and rotor button), I jumped off the car and got the cooling fan, brake, and battery lights, but only for a moment. THey didn't come back on until the next day, and then intermittently at first. When they finally stayed on, I noticed my battery voltage running way too high (16-18 volts). Also, whenever I turned off the car, the battery was dead in a few hours.

Assuming the battery was fried by the excessive charge (it was already prety old) I replaced it, then parked the car. Yesterday, I replaced the voltage regulator. I jumped off the car (it started right away) and took it for a test drive. No evil red lights on the dash and the volt meter indicated normal charge. So, I'm thinking everything's good - until I tried to start it this morning. Battery is dead. So, apparently I have a short to ground somewhere.

I've been retracing the timing belt change in my head, trying to think of something that I might have done to cause the problem. I know it's probably something totally off the wall, but maybe not. Have any of you seen this scenario before, or something like it? Any suggestions where to look?

Thanks,
Ray