Cub Cadet 106 electric issue - help!

[Jim in SC]

Didn't take me long to need some tech help! Here's the background and problem (I've checked a couple of previous threads dealing with a similar problem (from Ironman and Alvy in 2018):

My CC 106 was running when I started renovation in 2015. It's not now. I pretty much took it apart for cleaning and re-painting - removed the hood, engine, seat assembly, etc. I re-assembled it after painting making sure that all electric grounding surfaces were wire brushed and clear of dirt, grease, and paint - I learned that lesson on my 6 volt Farmall restorations - the 106 has good grounding all around, so that's not an issue.

I have religiously (I think...) followed the wiring diagrams for the 106 that are in the threads I mentioned. I have traced the wiring over and over. It all looks as it should. I have replaced the solenoid, ignition switch, and regulator with 12 volt CC aftermarket items. The safety switch is original to the tractor, but I have tried starting the tractor with it disabled and enabled - it made no difference.

Here is what happens when I attempt to attach a fully charged 12 volt battery - the tractor's starter/generator begins to spin the engine and will not quit until I remove the positive cable from the battery. Every time. Doesn't seem to matter what I do, this is what happens. Also, the ammeter goes to full charge when battery is attached (engine is NOT running at this point) - I know that isn't right.

I thought that maybe it was the safety switch being bad, but when I disable/bypass it, the same result happens.

My regulator is set-up like this:

yellow wire goes from the F tab to the F on the starter

gray wire goes from the tab to the negative side of the ammeter

blue wire goes from the L tab to the A on the starter

black wire goes from the gen tab (under the regulator) to the negative ground of the battery

The regulator is firmly grounded to the frame.

What am I doing wrong? Help!