Ah, think this connector plug would have anything to do with the trouble?:bigthink:
Getting a new one tomorrow, and fix the wire...:beerchug:

That could do it, I'd consider replacing the switch also. You Da Man! :beerchug:

Nice work Todd!! :High5:

Good talking with you today buddy. :beerchug:

Always good talking with you Jon:beerchug:
I guess it was easy enough to see once you pointed me in the right direction.

Great detective work! If it wasn't the cause it surely can't help in that condition.....

Well... replaced the plug and repaired the wire and also replaced the ignition switch with one I had that was used one time or another. You know the one you took out of something and kept thinking you may use it someday?
Anyway I got everything changed over, and fired up the tractor and engaged the PTO, SAME s#$%! Charge indicator went to the discharge side, flipped the PTO off and it went to the charge side.
Went out and cut the lawn and the whole time (about an hour) the indicator was in the discharge side. Shut down the PTO, indicator went back into the charge side. Tried immediately engaging again and it wouldn't but the indicator went to the discharge again.
So pulled in the shop and idled the tractor down and tried the headlights and the indicator went to the discharge side again, with the lights on.:bash2: Back up to charge with them off... Tried the PTO again before shutting it down, and it engaged, but discharge again.
So now what do you all think? Bad ignition switch? At least I know the plug and wires are fine, but haven't a clue where or what to do next. Does it have to be the switch, or?
Thanks

Possible Todd. Mine has similar issues, but my engine is brand new. I may try to diagnose the voltage drop tomorrow. When I went to start it tonight I tried Jonathans wiggle trick instead of my jumper wire and it worked. I will update tomorrow. :beerchug:

Double check the output of the alternator at the battery, with the lights on (full throttle) and with them off. If you aren't getting a good reading (13.6-14.5) then check the output at the rectifier. If output at the rectifier is good, then it is most likely the switch.... but could be a multitude of other places. Report back your findings and we can move from there. It is still most likely (most common point of failure) a connection issue either at the switch, or inside it.

Just curious..... does the switch get hot to the touch?

Thanks Jon. Well it's bed time now, but I did go into town today and picked up a new switch and it still does the same thing as earlier. Replaced the switch and made sure the plug and all the terminals were seated and making contact with the switch.
Fired up the tractor and the gauge was just over the center line to the charge side. Flipped the PTO on and immediately the gauge dropped into the discharge side. Turn it off and back up to charge. Turn the ignition switch to lights and again the gauge would go into the -.
I needed to cut the grass so as I was cutting I kept a watch on the gauge and it pretty much stayed in the center. Stopped the PTO to cross the driveway and do the other side and the gauge went WAY into the charge side. Flipped the PTO and it did engage today, where it wouldn't the other day.
I know I'm rambling, but I want you's to get the full details of what's going on. I will do as suggested, thanks:beerchug:

It still really sounds to me like a bad connection. Usually a bad rectifier would just be done. Check the rectifier to make sure it's grounded good. Could possibly be that. :beerchug: