Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Dead battery everytime I stop mower, connector plug, cable ends

Question
I have a Craftsman, 18.5HP, 42" deck. Model # 917.273641. For the past couple of mowing seasons it will not start unless I jump start it.  I have replaced the battery and made sure it was sufficiently charged.  It will start easily if I jump it. It will run fine, but if I stop the motor, it will require that I jump it again making me think the battery is not getting any charge.  This is becoming tiresome, and I would like to take steps to fix it. I wasn't sure where to start, alternator? stator? ??Your expertise will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Randy


Answer
Check out these links; use them to determine you alternator and if you have a regulator.

http://www.willardssmallengines.com/alternator_chart.html

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

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

http://faqs.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faqs.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3438&p...

Before doing any of the test, dis-connect the battery and clean the battery posts and cable ends with a wirebrush.  I have fixed a lot of charging problems just by cleaning the connections.

Also, you may have to scrape away some of the paint on the alternator connector plug to correctly identify the collector color.

Let me know if the links help.
Eric