Return to the Tractors Forum | Post a Follow-Up

 o
Briggs and Stratton - dead battery

Posted by MPScott Maine (My Page) on
Mon, May 14, 12 at 17:26

Hi, I just put a new battery in my lawn tractor, an 18HP B&S, and the battery won't stay charged. I am assuming it is either shorting out somewhere or the altenator is not working properly. My question is if there is any way to check the alternator to verify that is the problem?

Thanks
Mike


Follow-Up Postings:

 o
RE: Briggs and Stratton - dead battery

If you understand 12V DC electrics and have a VM or DVM it's real easy to check and diagnose the charging system.

If not, then here's an easy (rudimentary) charging system check...

Start tractor and let it idle.
Turn on the headlights.
Run tractor up to WOT while watching the headlights.
If the headlights got brighter then it is charging.


 o
RE: Briggs and Stratton - dead battery

Since there are several different charging systems on a Briggs, you might give us a few more details so we can better tell you how to trouble shoot things.

Your headlights can get a lot brighter, but if you have the separate lighting coil type alternator, that won't tell you much about battery charging.

What tractor is this on? Give a model#. For example, if it's a Craftsman, give the Sears 917.xxxxxx number.
AND/OR the Briggs MODEL & TYPE numbers.

BTW, saying 18 HP Briggs is about as descriptive as saying Chevy. There's oodles of 18 HP Briggs out there from oodles of different models.


 o
RE: Briggs and Stratton - dead battery

Bill is right on all counts.

Walt Conner


 o Post a Follow-Up

Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum.

    If you are a member, please log in.

    If you aren't yet a member, join now!


Return to the Tractors Forum

Instructions

  • You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
  • Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
  • After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
  • It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
  • HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
  • No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
  • If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
  • If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.



 
Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.