The stator is AC. If a pin is shorted to ground, you are grounding both the stator, and the regulator. The regulator is solid state, that has been shorted to ground also. There are steps to verify all of these components in the manual, but not wanting to go into basic a/c power and regulation systems theory, I can quote from the manual "Connect an ohmmeter on an RX1 scale between crankcase and either stator pin or socket. There should be no continuity (infinite ohms) across either test point. Any other reading indicates a grounded stator which must be replaced." I've changed a few stators, and done these checks before. Some times the regulater survives being shorted, some times they don't. Jus' saying-----------------------RJ