Calling all charging system gurus!!!!

[C5rider]

But, I didn't...

I went back and looked at the ground(s) at both the V/R and the S/G. I figured that since I repainted the S/G (it was off and available) that perhaps, the new coating covered the path of current to ground. So, I cleaned the mount for the ground cable (bolt at the rear S/G mount) and while looking at the V/R, I noted that the small ground strap was very brittle. So, I re-soldered a new on on and installed a star washer to help it bite into the metal at the mount.

Then, I took a reading after hooking the battery back up and engine running. Nuthin.

I've heard that it isn't necessary on S/Gs, but i decided that since I had the battery disconnected and removed the S/G, I'd polarize the S/G. After doing that, I started the engine and the DVM showed 14-ish volts! VOILA! It was now working!

Then, I idled it down to check the voltage and when I ran it back up --- Nuthin'

i shut it off, and sometimes when I'd re-start, it showed 13.5-14v, and other times... nuthin.

Even grounding the field terminal only shows 1.5-1.8v at the "A" terminal. My brother said that "it may be charged and may not NEED that much current." but I'm thinking that grounding the "F" terminal would still make it charge fully, regardless of battery level, right?

R. Bedell,
Grounding the "F" terminal directly to the battery would also negate the ground path between the V/R and generator also, right?

In the middle of learning a LOT about these little tractors and their charging systems.

Thanks for the insights!