Help wiring starter generator

[hdpickup]

I have bought a Club Car that has a FE400 engine. It has the old style CW generator, The previous owner stripped 100% of the micro switches and wiring. I have the cart re-wired (less Micros) with a key start switch and everything works except I cannot get the generator to charge the battery. If I run a jumper from the +12 on the regulator to the battery, the charging works perfect.
The local dealer say's that the starter solenoid should stay engaged with the gas pedal pressed but I'm concerned about keeping that solenoid switch engaged for that long. It looks like an old Ford solenoid and they would not stand being engaged for long periods.
My local dealer wants me to replace the entire factory harness but this seems silly when I'm so close to having it working. I have the wiring schematic and it shows a diode on the solenoid. Could this be the issue?
I can't believe that I'm the first guy that has a cart that has the whole factory harness removed.
Any help out there?