theres a short in my car between the alternator and the field. When running it will cut off all the lights for about a second every 10 seconds or so. Any ideas what could be the cause for the short?

Errr....A bad wire or connection will cause a short.
I would dis-connect the current wires and run a new wire or two. This will help you trouble shoot and narrow-down where the problem is.
Do you have a wiring diagram?
DD

hey, thanks but i figured out it was the electronic choke assist.