2-70 electrical problem

[Mark in Wis.]

So I found the short on my tractor, seems that when I had the clutch replaced last fall the dealer threaded the battery cable to the starter past
the clutch pedal linkage so closely that the cotter pin on the clevis pin rubbed on the insulation eventually wearing it through.So now my
batteries are completely dead and are hopefully charging now. My biggest concern is that the ammeter needle is still completely on discharge and
I'm concerned about what else may be wrong. Anybody have any ideas on what I'm facing here? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Mark

 

[jmcarlic]

My guess would be the diodes were burned out in the alternator during that short and is no longer charging.