2146 Charging System

[Rybo Flavin]

Hi all,
I have a 2146 purchased new in May of '99. It has the Briggs Vanguard 16HP VTwin engine, model 303447, type 1379-E1, code 02070911.

I'm not a small engine expert by any means, but I am trying to figure out how the battery charging system works in this tractor. Ultimately, I would like to find out why my battery keeps draining while the tractor is in use. So far I have checked the following:

-0 Amp current draw when ignition switch is off which explains why the battery doesn't drain while the tractor sits in the shed.

-.5 Amp current draw when the ignition switch is in the run position, but engine is not running.

-The fully charged battery is at 12.85 volts while the tractor isn't running.

-When the engine is running the battery measures 12.7 volts and starts dropping from there.

Shouldn't the volts be HIGHER while it is running...assuming that the alternator is working? Is the alternator built into the engine?

Any help or explantions of how this thing is supposed to charge the battery would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

It sounds like the alternator is not charging the battery so it will continue to run down while running. You should see a charging voltage of at least 13.5 volts. I'm not familiar whith your tractor but my Kohler manual calls for a charging rate of 13.8 to 14.7 volts. Most units have alternator coils and stator under the flywheel and also have a rectifier-regulator module that can cause a problem.

Bob B.

 

[Rhoderman]

On a Briggs engine I had, the alternator coils were inside the flywheel. Outside was a pair of heavy diodes for the rectifier. I think these diodes may have even been inside the harness up by the engine.

Start by looking around for heavy wires coming from under the flywheel. If you see any electrical components, that is likely where your problem is. My guess is that you've burned up one or both of those diodes.

Good Luck!

 

[Rybo Flavin]

Thanks for the advice all. I have fixed the problem by changing the voltage regulator, Briggs part number 691185. I am now reading 14 Vdc while the engine is running...where it was less than 12 Vdc with the old regulator.