Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Not charging battery, ac volts, battery cables

Question
B&S 446677 0470 E1 24 HP twin. I put my volt meter in place of the one on the dash and it reads 2.49 to 2.53, when I engage the mower electric PTO it stalls the engine. How do I check to see if it is the alternator or the regulator? Mower is Crafteman GT 5000. Thanks

Answer
This link details how to test the alternator.

http://engines.myfaqcenter.com/Answer.aspx?p_faqid=3438&body_0$tbKeyword=alterna...

This link will help identify which regulator you have:

http://www4.briggsandstratton.com/miscpdfs/RNT/alternator_id.pdf

Start by testing the alternator AC output first them move on to the regulator.

Have you had the battery tested?  A bad battery may not take a charge and can cause the engine charging system to malfunction.

TIP.  Dis-connect the battery cables and clean the battery posts and battery cable ends with a wirebrush.  I've fixed a lot of charging problems just by cleaning the connections.

If the AC volts or DC regulator voltage is way low then dis-connect the electric PTO clutch to make sure the clutch is not broke drawing too much power.  FYI, I rarely find bad alternators, regulators once in a while but I do find a lot of bad batterys and defective electic PTO clutches.

Eric