43 VAI Generator/Charging Troubleshooting help for rookie

I've searched through this forum and the tips here at YDT trying to narrow in on how to approach my problem. But I'm o.k. at turning wrenches, a little less so when it comes to electrical stuff, but willing to learn. Found one post that had similar symptoms to my problem but couldn't quite follow the troubleshooting steps.

Here's what I have, 43 VAI, 6V Positive Ground, electric start, generator, magneto ignition, no lights.

With a decent battery charge, she fires up fairly well, can move her around the yard no problem. However after extended running the battery is drained, not enough juice to get her started again.

Now most of the posts I've read say if the ammeter is discharging check X, if charging check Y, well my ammeter doesn't move at all, not a millimeter. Stays at 12 o'clock 0 all the time. Maybe the gauge itself is broken too?



Wiring is in reasonable shape for battery cables and wires going to gauges.


Some of the posts I've read talk about polarizing the regulator. I have removed the battery numerous times to take it out to hook it up to my charger, never repolarized the regulator, not sure what that means and or how to do that.

I've since secured the band covering the back of the generator since this photo.

I have a digital voltmeter and have used it to measure voltages on my car and boat, so I'm not a complete novice, but not sure exactly where to begin. Maybe the polarization thing is a simple enough place to start, but what exactly do I need to do?
Thanks for any tips / advice you might be able to provide.

Check the charging voltage at your battery with the engine at 1/2 throttle or better. Should be around 7 vdc to 7.2 volts. If you're not showing
any battery charge you probably should pull the generator and have it and the regulator checked at an electric shop that repairs alternators and generators. The wiring looks very good. Hal

Check the charging voltage at your battery with the engine at 1/2 throttle or better. Should be around 7 vdc to 7.2 volts. If you're not showing
any battery charge you probably should pull the generator and have it and the regulator checked at an electric shop that repairs alternators and generators. The wiring looks very good. Hal

If the battery is running down, the generator is not charging for some reason? Unless someone has changed it, your tractor should have a generator and a cutout relay (no regulator). If it is the original 3-brush generator, the charging output is adjusted by sliding the third brush. The cutout relay shuts off the power to the generator from your battery when the engine is off. Use a voltmeter to see if you are getting power to the generator field post from the battery. The generator field has to be energized by the battery for it to charge.