What ILengine is saying in post 9 is :
It appears that the B+ post on the regulator terminal does not have a complete circuit to the B+ post on the battery.
When using the jumper wire you might consider installing a fuse of around 10-15 amps in the jumper wire.
Let us know what voltage...
JimP2014:
Using JB Weld and Duct tape on a Craftsman.
You might be overqualified as a design engineer for Craftsman and Murray.
Here is a video of a guy that has some good tips when working on lawn tractor decks.
Watch the video in post #12...