LTX 1050 Battery Drain

[wagado]

I have the LTX 1050. Had it for about 7 years. This summer the battery died and it wasn't that old. So I bought a new one. Right away I noticed that the battery light came on when the PTO was engaged. I measured the PTO resistance as 3.5 Ohms which is in spec (so I've heard). I even measured the amps at 3.2 when turned on. I also noticed that the power seemed low when going uphill. So I took the engine cowl off and found a nest. Also found that the rodent had chewed through the one ignition cable. I purchased a new Mag coil and installed it today. I also repaired the wire that connects to both mag coils. I have more engine power, but the battery light still comes on with the PTO. I've also measured 12vDC on the voltage regulator, but zero amps. I'm missing something and don't know what. Any suggestions?

 

[jaxs]

12vDC at regulator with engine at high idle point's to a bad alternator,should be 13v+. A bad diode not only results in no charge,it drain's battery by allowing current flow from battery to alternator. Before throwing an alternator at it,make sure fuse is good. If problem isn't blown fuse,dis-connect alternator,fully charge battery then see if it has more power and stop's drain.

 

[wagado]

I took the regulator off and used and Ohm meter to check the ac to Dc connections. One is shorted the other is open. I'm going to get a new regulator and see what happens. I think since the mower was used while the rodent nest blocked the air that cools the regulation it may have overheated.

 

[tomplum]

The 2 outside wires on the regulator come from the stator and you should have ~ 30 volts AC with your leads carefully touched to them. The center is the wire running to the switch and should have 12 volts /battery voltage DC present without the engine running. With the engine running it would increase . If it doesn't and you have good AC from the first test, your regulator is bad. Kohler does recommend unhooking the regulator to help reset and test for output again before tossing the regulator.