I am confused how has mower run all these years without regulator? I cannot find regulator on the engine or body, I only see wires from stator or alternator plugged into wires I have not traced. I assumed they went to regulator.
I just had same problem, I replaced fuel solenoid shut off valve. I have b&s 17.5 hp on a craftsman LT 1500, it has quite a few years on it so I replaced the Nikki carb. With aftermarket carburetor. Also put on new battery but it ran down so I am replacing regulator. I must admit this old mower...