Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman not charging,negative charge with electric pulley clutch engaged, negative battery cable, tractor model

Question
Craftsman 23.0 HP,6 speed,50" Garden tractor, Model No.917.275031, Kohler Model No. CV674-75544
At Idol the ammeter is at zero, When the electric pulley clutch in engaged to rotate the blades the ammeter goes to negative 5-amps, The tractor will run and cut grass until the battery goes dead. I replaced the voltage regulator and alternator last year and still the same problem.Please help I can't live like this.

Answer
Jim,  

This one is a doozy, I love challenges!  and I would love to be there personally to solve it for you.  With the engine NOT running, remove the NEGATIVE battery cable.  Is there a spark when the cable is touched to the battery? There should not be!  This means you have a drain somewhere in your wiring harness.  It may be as simple as a bad ignition switch....(This is where I would start)  Do this test and get back to me.