Rectifier question
 

I got the ol buggy out after letting it sit for a couple of months to start fixing it back up. I realized it wasn't charging. After testing the wires with my meter I found that the red (battery) wire was grounding out. But if I unplug the rectifier it doesn't ground out.
I already plan on ordering one but I was just curious. Does a rectifier ground out when it blows?

It sometimes does but you should first check that wire for a ground short.

When I don't have the rectifier plugged in and I test the wire, it doesn't ground out. Only when the rectifier is plugged in. I've always thought that when one goes bad it only over charges or just stops. Hopefully everything will be fine when I put the new one on.

The diodes short in the bridge and it creates a short to ground. That is a typical rectifier failure.

This is true with a regulator. What these buggies have is a rectifier/regulator, it both regulates the voltage as well as changes the stator current from AC to DC volts. Usually when one goes bad the rectifier side will go to open, but sometimes they will actually short to ground.

Thanks for the info. I understand it a little better now. I'm guessing that's why I was having battery problems and solenoid problems also.