Craftsman with Kohler 16HP, charging issue.

KingPinPerry

Forum Newbie
Joined
Oct 12, 2018
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2
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5
Hello,


Could anybody supply some information on a charging issue that I am experiencing with my Craftsman lawn tractor?

Here are details:

1) volt meter reads on the positive side ( charging ) while at full throttle
2) battery is 3 1/2 years old
3) starts fine, but then battery doesn't have enough energy to start mower after cutting grass
4) battery reads 12.6 volts without engine running ( measuring across (+) & (-) with voltmeter
5) When connecting a voltmeter ( engine running )...volts never exceed 12.85
6) this mower is not equipped with a voltage regulator.

Could this possibly be a faulty stator, faulty solenoid, magnets coming loose from the flywheel, or perhaps the battery needs replaced ( although when charged it is around 13 volts).

Shouldn't engine running voltage hover around 14 volts?

Thanks!
 

bertsmobile1

Lawn Royalty
Joined
Nov 29, 2014
Threads
64
Messages
24,631
Switch your meter to AC and test again.
If you get reading then the diode is gone,
 

Cusser

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 3, 2019
Threads
12
Messages
200
Measure DC voltage at the battery terminals with the engine running. Should be 13 to 14.5 volts or so.

If not, it seems that your charging system is not working.
 
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