[Beenthere]

Should get 13.5 - 14.5 volts at the battery, with a good battery, while it's running. If you don't get antything there, check the wires going to the battery, then check the voltage regulator.
This is a place to start.

 

[Beenthere]

First of all, you test the regulator at the battery while the quad is running. Again you should be between 13.5 - 14.5 volts, anything other that this your regulator is bad.
Second, like CWlongshot said, get a service manual. This has a lot of info that you can use and is very helpful with trouble shooting your or any problems that comes up.
Third, if you can start your quad without a key, you probably have some wires crossed, which also could be your charging problems.
A service manual will tell you which wires goes where.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

 

[Beenthere]

Is this 2 volts while running? Sounds like a severe drain, wires crossed somewhere.
Did you check the voltage at the battery while the quad was running? How many volts did you have then?
You need a manual and check the wire schematic to see if yours is the way it's supposed to be hooked up.

 

[Beenthere]

with battery disconnected. pull started, the soild yellow wire coming to regulator is getting hot.,unhooked from regulator there is 33v ac @idel. there is no reading coming from regulator. headlights work without regulator hooked up but get bright upon reving. is my regulator gone?

So far, you have not answered my question about how many volts is there at the battery with the quad running (battery connected). You need to complete the circuit for the test. :deadhorse:
Get a manual and good luck!