1988 xr4 charging issues

[Chief BDF]

Hi guys, I have a 1988 xr4, after lots of trial and error I have come to realize it is time to replace rectifier, voltage regulator, trigger plate and stator. I am also going to disconnect and remove the advance module and time correctly. Here is my issue, when inspecting the system I realized that the previous owner had disconnected the voltage regulator, not only do I have no idea as to why, but I have ran it that way for over two years! I can find the regulator in the IPL, but NOWHERE does it show it on a wiring schematic. I have no idea where to hook up the wires when I get the new parts. Thanks for any and all help.

[Go Time]

It hooks up to the rectifier, one lead to the red + post and one lead to one of the yellow stator posts.

[Chief BDF]

Go Time, thanks for the reply, does it matter which wire goes where? Also, any ideas as to why it would have been disconnected?

[Go Time]

Yellow can go to either yellow post.....as for being disconnected, it probably was defective and with the 16 amp system overcharging is usually not an issue.