Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Charging System, briggs and stratton, fly wheel

Question
I have a late model 18hp Briggs and Stratton lawn tractor, The coil under the fly wheel keeps sparking and makes the battery boil. The coil doesn't look like it's burnt and the 2 wires coming off it are connected to the ignition switch and are in good shape. I'm not sure what's going on with it, I've tried to ground the coil to the engine and it still sparks. The Model # is 502-802-182 & Serial # is 0534

Answer
Do you have a voltmeter?

Check out these links:

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

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

http://mmyh.com/mmh/answers/Answers.action#l4q110830

It will provide useful information on your charging system.

Let me know if you have a voltmeter.
Eric