1863 blows 20amp fuse as soon as key is turned on

[TomH5304]

I have traced my problem to what appears to be an electronic component on the left rear engine housing. It's flat, & has 3 wires clipped to it and a ground wire under 1 of the 2 screws. When I unplug the 3 wires the fuse no longer blows.
Any idea how to isolate if my problem is this component or something on a wire past this component?
I'm running out of fuses....

 

[art]

That could be the problem as that is a regulator.

 

[OldMachinist]

The component your talking about is the rectifier-regulator. If you have a ohm meter check the wires on the connector to see which one is shorted to ground.
I posted some info from the service manual for troubleshooting in this post. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/cub-cadet/149254-battery-not-charging.html

 

[WNYTractorTinkerer]

I have traced my problem to what appears to be an electronic component on the left rear engine housing. It's flat, & has 3 wires clipped to it and a ground wire under 1 of the 2 screws. When I unplug the 3 wires the fuse no longer blows.
Any idea how to isolate if my problem is this component or something on a wire past this component?
I'm running out of fuses....

I drag home another old tractor or motorized thing I don't need and my Wife does the same thing!! (J/K!)

Before you go buying a new rectifier/regulator (~$90) closely examine the wires and connections for a possible short-circuit to ground.. maybe a wire is shorting out to the engine frame when the plug is in the 'plugged in' position. Always check the cheap fixes first!