Shorting stator?

Got my project running today with one problem.

The stator smokes and the charge wire get extremely hot. The regulator doesn't get hot.
Check and rechecked all of the electrical connections.

The stator looks ok. Not great, just ok. It is pretty greasy. The previous owners answer to oil changes was to pull the plug and drain her in the tub.

Upon pulling the flywheel, I found a partial shear pin stuck to the magnets in the flywheel. Thought that was the problem, but no joy. Does appear the shear pin spinning around the flywheel did small amount of damage in a few spots on the wire wraps on the stator.

I'm guessing a shorted or a stator that shorts under load.

Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks!

Ken

What engine do you have? I have the Tecumseh engine manual in electronic I can send you. It has the test procedures for the stator. I think I have the magnum kohler also but will need to check my computer. Send me an email and I'll attach the manual you need. With it running test the AC output from the stator. Most will run 25+ volts ac.

KT17, Have the Argo manual and the Kohler manual.

Will check the stator tomorrow. I'm thinking that has to be it.

Everything but the stator and ignition switch is new. Of course, it's always possible to buy new electrical stuff that is no good from the get go.

Frustrating. Everything is fine as long as the charge wire isn't connected. She fires right up and runs nicely.

Hate the gremlins that come with all things electrical.

Appreciate your advice and help!

If you unplug the stator it and it does not get hot it is not your stator grounding out, if you remove the load after the voltage regulator and it does not heat up yor voltage regulator is OK also take out all your fuses what is the voltage reading when the machine is running ( DC) it could be a bad cooling fan drawing too many amps or a grounded wire in the harness pull all the fuses and reinsert one buy one checking voltage and ststor temp I do not think by your description it is internal to the stator.