How can I test a riding mower regulator? (puts out 23 amps @ 3800 rpms. My dmm only goes up to 10 amps.(system won't charge battery while in operation. Can it be tested off the mower? Mower is a Craftsman mocel 917.271100. Engine is a Kohler cv16s,type number PS-43520

small mower batteries only last a couple years but charge the battery and put on a volt meter check the voltage when off then start it and see if the voltage goes up if it does remove the negative battery cable and put a test light between the cable and the battery if the light lights up you have a draw unplug the charging system and see if the light goes out a bad diode in the system will drain a battery

If you have a new battery and it went dead that quickly I would check the charging system on the mower engine. Many of them use a voltage regulator and if it goes bad it will not properly charge the battery. Get the engine running (do not engage the PTO) and use a multimeter set on DC voltage. Place the multimeter leads on the battery and you should see approximately 13-14 volts DC at the battery terminals when it is running. If less then that then it's a problem with the charging system and further tests would be needed to figure out if it is a bad regulator or charging coil.

Hi, yes you have either a faulty stator or regulator/rectifier. Check if you have ac voltage out of the stator to the regulator if so the reg is bad, if not the stator is bad. Regards Phil.

It sounds like a voltage regulator.
The PTO/ mower deck is run off of the battery, the regulator should be putting out more voltage when the deck is running. It sounds like it isnt.

The regulator should be mounted on the engine, probably has 2 or 3 wires coming out, yellow, red, etc.
They usually run about 45.00

yes it could be

check your battery 1st , then check the stator a/c output

• 10 or 16 Amps DC regulated for charging
battery
• Two black leads (C) from stator
• Yellow connector (D) with two pin
terminals
• Two yellow leads (E) to regulator-rectifier
(F)
• One red lead (B) from regulator-rectifier
to red connector output lead (A)
• 10 and 16 Amp systems use the same
stator, color coding and regulator-rectifier
• Alternator output is determined by the
flywheel alternator magnet size


The stator and regulator-rectifier are the same
for the 10 and 16 Amp systems. The system
output is determined by the flywheel magnet
size.
Test Alternator Output
1. Temporarily disconnect stator wire
harness from the regulator-rectifier.
2. Insert RED test lead (A, Figure 28) into the
V ω receptacle in the meter.
3. Insert BLACK test lead (B) into COM
receptacle.
4. Rotate selector to AC Volts position.
5. Insert RED (A) and BLACK (B) test lead
probes into output terminals (D & E) in
YELLOW connector (C). (Test clip leads
may be attached to either terminal).
6. With the engine running at 3600 rpm, the
output should be no less than:
• 20 volts - 10 Amp System
• 30 volts - 16 Amp System
7. If No or Low output is found, check for
bare wires or other defects. If wiring
defects are not found, replace the stator.
voltage depending on alternator type and magnet size

then check the regulator / rectifier , make sure it is grounded properly

make sure battery earth lead is good

i suspect loss of bat voltage is letting the afterfire solenoid close off the main jet

let me know model and type codes off engine & i will try help further

cheers

sounds like the stator under the flywheel is bad that is what charges the battery

ck for blown fuse, ck for broken wire.

Hello davidturner:

>>From your Description it Sounds like the Stator/Charging Coils are Not Charging Correctly.
For Testing the Electrical (Charging) System on Mowers you can Use this Site Addy; http://faqs.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faqs.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3438&p_created=1101706364&p_sid=4fQ1f8Xi&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=3443&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NTEmcF9wcm9kcz0mcF9jYXRzPTAmcF9wdj0mcF9jdj0mcF9wYWdlPTEmcF9zZWFyY2hfdGV4dD1Wb2x0YWdlIGFuZCBTdGF0b3IgQ2hlY2s*&p_li=&p_topview=1 and Use the Link for AC Volts/DC Amps Meter Setting Chart. This is for Briggs Engines and Works Well for Kohler and Other Engine OEMs.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy.
>>Thanks.


Respectfully


John