Dead lawn mower battery? The charging system could be the culprit. Here is how you can check the charging system on a lawn mower to ensure it is functioning.
As a retired marine electrician, all of those assumptions were wrong. A fully charged lead acid battery is engineered to provide 13.8 volts. An alternator for a lead acid battery is engineered to provide 15 to 16 Volts through the half wave rectifier to the LOAD, (the battery). The alternator--diode output voltage is specifically designed to limit CURRENT to the battery to prevent heat damage if overcharged. When the output voltage at the diode equals the battery voltage, no charging takes place which is normal. UNplugging the charging circuit to measure voltages gives false readings because the alternator has no load on it. Best way to check an alternator? Connect a voltmeter to the battery terminals, measure voltage, then start the engine, measure again. If the measurement is greater than before, the alternator is fine. Best way to test a diode? Place voltmeter ACROSS the diode. If anything more than 2 volts is seen, the diode is open circuit. If no voltage at all is seen, the diode is shorted, Get a new diode at Radio Shack, Barrel style, 3 AMP or more, 2 bucks.
@1717maxpo
8 жыл бұрын
To Red Woods: sorry dude but I strongly you  advise to visit on the Briggs & Stratton official website and downloads a many repair manuals related to the complete electrical system. You might be surprised.
@craigburge218
7 жыл бұрын
Moi de même of
@Blazer02LS
6 жыл бұрын
A fully charged 6 cell "12 volt" battery will NEVER put out 13.8 volts. The nominal voltage per cell is 2.1 volts. That gives you the 12.6-12.7 volts for that battery design. Modern charging systems will run from 12.8 up to 18 volts to bring the battery up to full charge fast and then maintain it. Plus many vehicles these days also cycle the alternator on/off as required, so you may check a battery at full charge and discover that the voltage doesn't change while the engine is running.
@markrevette3734
6 жыл бұрын
thanks sounds easy enough
@yogibeer9319
5 жыл бұрын
I bet u ran the projector for the teacher
@only126db
9 жыл бұрын
Is it me or did I just miss something. Shouldnt the AC voltage be the 30 and the DC be the 14 while the lights are powered by DC voltage?
@matowixunplugged7927
6 жыл бұрын
only126db yes
@Agathescom
9 жыл бұрын
I am English and I understood you fine. It was a great video and a great accent!
@ESRepair
12 жыл бұрын
Yes and no , If your batterys charging amp requirements exceeds your charging systems capacity ( battery pulls to many amps) then you can burn up your reciftier or diode as they are only rated for a certain charging amp capacity or output . You can even burn up your stator ( name ? ) under the flywheel . But, if your not exceeding the amperage then either your batterys dead or the recifiter is bad or you have something draining or shorting the charging system. Thanks, Whizkid
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
A rectifier is a Diode, David. The classification identifies what function the diode is used. In this case, a Rectifier Diode is needed to convert the AC from the Stator into DC to operate the electrical system. -MrFixit
@MegaKevinT
10 жыл бұрын
I have a battery draw. Key in off position. Traced problem to the charging system. If I unplug connector to the stator, the draw stops. What else can I check ? Motor is a 13 hp Briggs, about 17yrs old. Thanks.
@ESRepair
12 жыл бұрын
Yes and no ,Spirit Tomczyk, it all depends on the charging system . There should be at least 20 - 30 volts ac comming from the charging coil which then is converted to 13 - 16 volts dc by the rectifier box on the side of the motor . Less voltage, app 15 volts ,if it just has the inline diode in the wiring harness . Voltage is also varied by how fast the motor is running depending on where you set the throttle control . Whizkid
@thedillestpickle
11 жыл бұрын
That gives me some hope that the alternator is still good. I had checked 3 engines this way thinking it was a good test and was thinking I had 3 dead alternators haha. I look forward to the video.
@ESRepair
12 жыл бұрын
WhizKid's right, Spirit Tomczyk. The charging system must provide 14-15 Volts to charge a 12V battery. The voltage in the coil of the charging system will vary according to the RPM of the Engine. The higher RPM causes the coil to produce a higher voltage which is the Regulator's job to maintain a constant 14V to the battery. The Diode is used to convert the AC into DC for the Regulator to charge the battery. Connecting an AC meter to the coil at different RPMs will show the voltages. -MrFixit
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
The Diode shouldn't be too difficult to replace. It mainly depends where the Diode is located. Most of the ones I've seen were in the wire harness. You only need to match the type, PIV, Ampere rating, and the polarity of the old Diode. I do have a video on our channel that deals with Diodes. WhizKid can help you find it's location and how to replace it. -MrFixit
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
Oh, but, it does produce 30VAC, Anthony Blanchard. The stater's output varies by the RPM of the magnets. During the idle RPM the stater produces around 16VAC, however, as the RPM increase, the stater's Voltage output will also increase. In some cases, the stater will produce up to 36VAC at maximum RPM. Next, the Diode coverts the AC to DC. Then, finally, the Voltage Regulator adjusts the voltage so its output maintains a 14.1VDC, regardless of engine's RPM..... -MrFixit
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
shonuf1, These charging systems are very similar to an automobiles . On some of these systems ,like those with an electric pto clutch , the clutch will not run if the battery is weak and in some of them the motor will die if the charging system is not right or if it backfeeds . becareful taking any charging wire off when the motor is running as it could cause a short . 28 volts will kill a battery never go over 15 at least .sometimes the alt. side is accesable Thank you, Whizkid
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
Check starter for bad brushes or bushings . Check for bad grounds . Check for bad connections . Check solenoid and key switch . Check to see if the safety system is working .Could be a bad switch . Check valve push rods . Check to see if there's gas in oil stopping it from turning over . Whizkid
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
I do not control what WhizKid says in his videos. I work in electrical wiring. The stator charging system will produce up to 36V AC depending on the RPM of the engine. Alternators in vehicles can produce 60V AC or more for the same reason. Diodes are used to convert AC into DC. It's the Voltage Regulator's job to maintain a 14.1 VDC output regardless of it's voltage input. A faulty Diode or bypassing the VR will destroy the battery. -MrFixit
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
sneakinup1, Is your motor a Briggs ? Is it also an OHV ? If so ,then your problem is that the valves need adjusting . If that doesn't fix it then your motor might have a pressure relief on the cam inside the motor in which you have to replace cam. Check valves first . The ac runs the lights which can work on ac or dc . The safety system has nothing to do with the charging system .If none of this fixes your problems then you have an electrical problem . Check diode on your charging coil.
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
David , Thank you and your welcome . Glad we could help . Whizkid
@DavidSmith-mk7qo
11 жыл бұрын
Anthony he is testing the output on the AC side without the diode which converts the AC to DC. If you think that is a lot a standard say 100 Amp automobile alternator will put out over 100 volts AC. Again a diode or rectifier is used to convert it to DC. This guy is correct he just didn't explain it very well.
@MC-hs4mf
6 жыл бұрын
Measuring at battery states 16.3 volts when I have it set on the 20volt DC setting, with the mower running
@matowixunplugged7927
6 жыл бұрын
C. M. Then your alternator is fine
@MC-hs4mf
5 жыл бұрын
That was my Murray... I think it should be around 13.8. A zeroturn has 12.8 running full throttle at battery and it has a circuit breaker, manufacturer saying no fuse. I believe it isn't charging.
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
the dillestpickle , That doesn't sound good but we all make mistakes . If the motor is running full throttle the bulbs should be bright . If that's all you did just for a few seconds then the diode is probably still good as dc voltage won't hurt the bulbs either . Whizkid
@themaster91156
12 жыл бұрын
QUESTION: is it possible for the battery not charge because you have to big of a battery, i had my original engine in and it was putting out a charge, from 12.51 and started 12.70 etc with my new motor im getting about 12.50 to 12.80. but my battery is dead once i turn it off
@sneakinup1
11 жыл бұрын
No Kohler.I did notice the battery would light up the amps guage but not the headlights.I took the brake safety switch off but did not have multi tester to check.Again my question is what does the non diode side coming from alternator run.I guess that is DC unregulated or AC?Thanks
@newsreach
8 жыл бұрын
When charging the battery of a lawn tractor, should I put the setting on 2 amps or 6. How long will it take to charge on 2 amps? Thanks.
@shonuf1
11 жыл бұрын
28V into a 12V battery would kill it in VERY short order. Is this setup similar to a modern car alternator setup where disconnecting the alternator from the battery while running is a bad idea, with alternator output beingmaximum , which will ruin it in short order? Can the alternator side of the wiring not be accessed for testing voltage output? On a vehicular setup you would always want to test alternator output at the alternator AND battery while running to ensure the wiring is good.
@bmich833
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks, I am now dumber after watching this video.
@462ANIMAL
8 жыл бұрын
yup..hahah this video wont help you fix anything....
@foreverwood1963
6 жыл бұрын
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL ROFL
@youtubificationizer
6 жыл бұрын
Random doggage
@donzmilky5961
5 жыл бұрын
Me too
@thedillestpickle
11 жыл бұрын
I have another rider that I was rewiring and accidently connected the hot wire to the black(AC output wire). Took a couple moments to realize what was happening when I heard a sizzle and started getting smoke coming from under the flywheel.... Oops! So now I'm still getting decent voltage out of the diode, haven't check amperage. I know it's enough to dimly light two 12v headlights with no help from battery... I guess I should still check amperage coming out of diode now. Hope it's still good!
@charlesholt2662
8 жыл бұрын
Why won't my Briggs run when I disconnect the two wire plug to the stator? I put the stator in new it charged for a while now it wont
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
thedillestpickle, Both wires coming out of the alternator are hot . In the ones with a diode in the wire that wire is hot for the battery and the other one puts out ac for the lights . Actually their both putting out ac until it hits the diode . In the ones with the charging block then both wires ( or one if it doesn't have two wires ) are hot and putting out ac and they go into the charging block then it turns it into dc . The load is what makes it pull amps . Whizkid
@charliemartin7665
7 жыл бұрын
This guy try that shit on a Gravely 0. turn with a Kawasaki twin that charges whenever the hell it feels like it.
@mikebolton5427
8 жыл бұрын
my stator is just charging 12 volts............... is it the diode in the line , and where can i get one?
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
tma4x4, All you have to do is run a wire from the diode wire of the charging coil to the hot post of the battery . Make sure that the wire is heavy enough to handle the voltage and amps . Whizkid
@thedillestpickle
11 жыл бұрын
Yea I guess I should have done an ohms check on the wires going to the alternator. I assumed that if the black coming from the alternator was connected to hot that no circuit would be completed. Guess I was wrong as indicated by the smoke and sizzle haha. The diode should be fine on that one as I did not connect hot to red wire only ac wire. Also lights being dimly lit is powered off the ac wire. I'm surprized about not being able to check amps without a load.
@jludtxs
11 жыл бұрын
My battery isn"t charging in a 16hp murray twin2. For us who no nothing about volt meters, what settings are you using and how do I know which side of the plug is ac or dc? Is this the test I would use? where to go from there?
@jeffarthur322
9 жыл бұрын
Where did you hook black meter wire to ? Clipped to ground ?
@christinepine6618
7 жыл бұрын
Jeff Arthur i
@PryorGuy
9 жыл бұрын
Did you do the video on changing the diode?
@leebirnbaum
11 жыл бұрын
Nice vid, though the meter readings didn't jive. I believe you said that the alternator was putting out 13V AC, and 30V DC after diode. That's impossible. A single diode is a half wave rectifier, so only 50% of the AC through (e.g. cuts voltage in half). As opposed to a full wave rectifier (4 diodes) which allows the up (+) and down (-) sides of the wave through, and thus no voltage drop converting AC->DC. So I assume the description of the 1st 30V & later 13V readings were accidentally swapped?
@tronixster
6 жыл бұрын
haha! I love sit down comedians!! More please!!
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
sneakinup1, Keep in mind though as I'm not very experienced with a Kohlers wiring and without a wiring diagram there's the chance that they could be running to a charging block somewhere else on the mower . Whizkid
@1999danie
11 жыл бұрын
you have the coolest accent ever man im from britain so it sounds different to me
@sneakinup1
11 жыл бұрын
Also what value diode would I ask for at radio shack?
@kingscairn
6 ай бұрын
Backwards - the 30 volts was AC side - dc side should be 14/15 v
@ianalexander6492
9 жыл бұрын
Random dogedge ..loving that got my attention ..well done!!
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
I have a tutorial on Digital Multi-Meters (DMM) on our channel, jludtxs. Unhook the Stator. The wiring from the stator is usually AC. The harness connector will most likely have a Diode close to it. The wires from the connector to the rest of the electrical system should be DC. When testing the system, use AC setting on the tester. If the diode is shorted AC will appear in the electrical system. If the Diode is 'open' you will not get any voltage reading at the Harness connector. -MrFixit
@thedillestpickle
11 жыл бұрын
I have a mower I intend to sell(snapper RER). Got about 14Volts DC coming from the diode but if I set it to DC amps and I get something like .02 mA Obviously that won't charge anything. Hopefully it is just the diode, so I will replace that and see what happens. Is it easy to find a diode? What am I looking for?
@theoldstoryteller
9 жыл бұрын
What part of Michigan are you from? I'm just joking! I'm from Georgia so I can understand you!
@judyjohnson630
10 жыл бұрын
Wow, that is one big cat behind you in the video!!!
@ESRepair
10 жыл бұрын
Eric , Cat ???? You must mean Blackie , our dog at the time !! Whizkid
@chrisw4745
10 жыл бұрын
Hey Es, I have a Yard Man, 12.5 Briggs, 38" ->situation -> mower shuts off in the middle of mowing. I charge the battery up overnight and I can mow another 45 minutes. Question: Is the problem my battery can't hold a charge, is the charging system not working, bad regulator, bad stators. What do you think? Thanks much.
@ESRepair
12 жыл бұрын
Thank you wrenfan,and your welcome . Whizkid
@thebaron44
9 жыл бұрын
In reply, to your reply, to Spirit Tomczk.........It would have helped to know in the beginning of the video what type of charging system you were working on........the fact that the system has a regulator/rectifier would have been most helpful as your readings made no sense. Many lmower systems(including mine)do not have a reg/rect.
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
You didn't read the comments below about the same exact thing before putting your 2 cents in, did you? -MrFixit
@allenmckinney9533
10 жыл бұрын
I have a 12.5 hp murray that I'm rewiring and I cant find where my stater wires go to. My wires are black an purple where everybody else's is red an white. I done gave my old harness to a buddy so I can't trace the old stuff to find out. Anybody know what to do?
@DarthVader1977
7 жыл бұрын
Allen McKinney and*
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
Sneakinup1, I would use this one . It might be bigger than the one in the charging harness and maybe overkill, but bigger is supposed to be better . NTE577 1000V 5 Amp General Purpose Silicon DiodeModel: NTE577 | Catalog #: 55052252 Whizkid
@DavidSmith-mk7qo
11 жыл бұрын
First of all you need a good what we call a DVOM. Digital volt ohm meter. They are on e bay fairly cheap. The dial will tell you if you have it set for AC or DC testing and the volt range you are reading it in. Pretty much self explanatory.
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
the dillestpickle , The diode is just a basic diode found in all electronic boards . They are also available from Radio Shack at a cheap price . There is a certain way that you have to measure amperage . You have to have a load on it and you can't just the hot tester cable to the output of the diode and the black to ground and get an amp reading . I will try to do a video on it in the very near future . Whizkid
@christophersemler894
6 жыл бұрын
what is a Radio Shack ?
@ESRepair
12 жыл бұрын
I know enough to fix my own and friends and coworkers mowers and to make some money at it and to use that knowledge to make these videos . But , theres so many makes and models that goes back for thirty years or more and they change the new ones on a regular basics so it's impossible to know everything about them ,except to try and work on them and learn as you go . Whizkid
@knighthawk86855
12 жыл бұрын
yea...we all know Mr Fixit is the brains of this operation.....jk...great video....awesome Dogage!!!!!
@quantummechanic7991
9 жыл бұрын
These guys are awesome...
@spirittomczyk2174
12 жыл бұрын
Warning I believe that this young man has his AC & DC mixed up. 30 volts DC will boil your battery to death. DC should be 13-14.6 volts
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
I believe that it will work with that diode . Whizkid
@clydecoffey8815
6 жыл бұрын
what if i have different voltage than what is showing
@paulbillings1791
5 жыл бұрын
EXACTLY. This just shows everything working correctly. NOTHING to help anyone with a failure. Basically,anyone could unplug something and say,look here,I got some voltages and spit out the readings. Are they correct?
@DavidSmith-mk7qo
11 жыл бұрын
Your Kohler should have a rectifier not a diode.
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
sneakingup1 , Let me research that and I'll get back to you as this is my weekend to work 12 hour shifts back to back for three days .
@jefferykinnamore7905
9 жыл бұрын
your blades are on i can hear them running
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
esquatzel , Thank you for the comment . Whizkid
@sneakinup1
11 жыл бұрын
Ok for those of us that are dumber than dirt.What does the AC side actually hook to?Aren't the headlight bulbs DC?Thanks and thanks for video.My v twin 21 hp mower has never charged the battery right.I have bought 6 since I have had it and now with battery fully charged per auto parts store it will not turn over at all. Also do all the safety switches work in a way that shorts out the cicuit. Would the whole system work if they were simply disconnected.Not going to leave that way just wondering.
@ESRepair
11 жыл бұрын
gargois , Hopefully I can do that video here very shortly for you . Whizkid
@gliderp
11 жыл бұрын
Nope. It can put out 30. It's in the manual.
@mrdavidurquhart
11 жыл бұрын
Thanks guys!
@lensmanicfeleven1847
5 жыл бұрын
Sounds like the blades were engaged....
@ESRepair
12 жыл бұрын
How could he be the brainswhen he's not even in the video except for holding the camera . When it comes to lawnmowers ,etc. I'm the brains . Whizkid
@mikjazz
5 жыл бұрын
reminds me of Slingblade movie.
@davebb36
5 жыл бұрын
Do you have a video where the guy speaks English?
@knighthawk86855
12 жыл бұрын
I was making a joke....lol....but hey thank you for your videos they really helped me out!
@sneakinup1
11 жыл бұрын
Thanks for reply ESR
@doscooby76
11 жыл бұрын
Dude you need another meter theres no way that stater is doing 30 volts no way in hell...Maybe 14 or 12.8 but not 30...
@shonuf1
11 жыл бұрын
You mean the ones that were 7 weeks before, beyond the page of comments everyone sees? You better go listen to your video again at 3:00.
@NomadMechanic
5 жыл бұрын
Don't drink the WATER
@soulshinz
6 жыл бұрын
Wth...there is no way that stator is putting out 30 vdc...it would smoke the battery. It should be between 12 and 18 max. 30 vac would be closer.
@ESRepair
6 жыл бұрын
Why do you think there is a Voltage Regulator connected to the stator? 12VDC will not charge a 12V battery adequately and 18V will overcharge the battery. The RPM determines the Voltage Output. The faster the RPM the higher the voltage that is generated. This is the same for any type of electrical generator. The Voltage Regulator maintains the output at a Constant Voltage, usually between 13.8VDC -14.1VDC to charge a 12V battery.
@soulshinz
6 жыл бұрын
ESRepair idc if theres a voltage regulator or not. It can't put out that much.
@ESRepair
6 жыл бұрын
There is a Voltage Regulator connected. Some Stators have them built-in and some have an external Voltage regulator. Alternators in Vehicles have a Voltage regulator built into the Alternator. AC Electric generators are governed to run at a set RPM to maintain the voltage output. Because the RPM on Lawn mowers and Vehicles can vary, a voltage regulator is needed. The faster the magnet moves past the coils the higher the voltage that is generated. it's Electricity 101.
@soulshinz
6 жыл бұрын
ESRepair 30 vac = 15 vcd...electronics 101
@soulshinz
6 жыл бұрын
I assume it was a simple misstatement on your part, no biggie. The stator does not produce any DC. It produces AC, if it measures at 30 VAC at the stator, then it is changed to 15 VDC after the regulator. If you're reading 30 VDC then your stator is putting out 60 VAC, and that is what a car alternator puts out. A lawn mower engine is not capable of the rpms needed. There's no other interpretation.
@ringbolt9
12 жыл бұрын
great info!
@weslevis8676
8 жыл бұрын
This guy is an idiot... Whizkid and Mr. Fixit??? more like Beavis and Butthead....
@ESRepair
8 жыл бұрын
Really? that's the best your small mind can come up with? I have heard better insults from people with higher IQs. -MrFixit
@gregh3607
8 жыл бұрын
An idiot? How much do you know about stators and charging systems? Obviously not as much as these guys or you wouldn't have watched this video. So, who's the idiot? Oh, and you proved how weak-minded you are by trolling on KZitem. See how that works?
@DesertDigger1
9 жыл бұрын
Are you Billy Bob Thortons cousin?
@DesertDigger1
7 жыл бұрын
No, but I'll bet you have fantasies about you both frolicking in a giant bowl of Wheaties together.
@ESRepair
12 жыл бұрын
ringbolt9, Thank you . Whizkid
@ringbolt9
11 жыл бұрын
great vid
@scarroll625
6 жыл бұрын
Subtitles please
@TheWolverine-rm2kr
6 жыл бұрын
Thats good if you want to blow your battery up!!!
@ESRepair
13 жыл бұрын
@gatorkiter1 woooohooo!!!!
@eviloctober
7 жыл бұрын
5 minutes and 6 seconds of my life I just wasted
@rusty.spires7931
8 жыл бұрын
YeSir.2.u...
@danonroof
9 жыл бұрын
Take the dip out of your lip!
@yogibeer9319
5 жыл бұрын
Any peeple hoo give this heer videeo bad comints or thums down can kiss ole Yogis sassafrass
@donahue617
9 жыл бұрын
WTF????
@erswnn
6 жыл бұрын
Hey...at least he didn't record the video with a strong wind screwing up the audio. Otherwise this wasn't much of an instructional video. Dude, first, practice the thing rather than just blurt out whatever comes to mind. Next, speak like you want most people to understand you. I love the South, really do, spent a lot of time there (14 years). But you and a few others are the only people who picked up all the words. And for Pete's sake, disconnect things ahead of time so you don't look so stupid with stuck connectors.
@beachbummm69
6 жыл бұрын
AC for the lights?? what a fucktard
@esquatzel
11 жыл бұрын
Hahaha! I like the personality
@ronesgarage6457
8 жыл бұрын
totally worthless video
@charlesholt2662
8 жыл бұрын
This guy has no idea what he is doing!
@fredmaurer2698
7 жыл бұрын
Charles Holt b
@juanvaldez2896
9 жыл бұрын
This is all wrong
@gatorkiter1
13 жыл бұрын
Yeeehaw!
@stevevar4710
8 жыл бұрын
next time you make a damn video like this, atleast take a care video of the readings that your meter is showing or else what the hell is the point????????????????
@TedBishop1
7 жыл бұрын
Good grief please stop making videos
@mauiequipmentservice
9 жыл бұрын
can i get some one who can convert his language into English for me?
Пікірлер: 126