Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman mower charging system, craftsman riding mower, stator

Question
Craftsman riding mower #917.258914. Kohler engine Model #CV22S Type # 67529. My Battery will not stay charged. I recharge the battery & get one cutting out of it & its dead. Replaced battery with same results, its like something is draining the battery. I would guess if it was not charging at all the battery should hold a charge more than one cutting. Thanks for any help on this, Edal


Answer
 Hello Edal:

 With the Engine Running at Full Power, Check the Voltage. Should be 13VDC to 13.5VDC. If the Stator is Bad it will Drain the Battery. Most Times the Stator will Just Quit Charging. Other Times it Will Have a Slight Ground Occur and Drain the Battery. Unplug the Connector to the Stator and see if the Battery Stays Charged Overnight. If it Does, then the Stator has Shorted Out. If it Doesnt, then Check the Battery for a Dead/Weak Cell. If the Battery is Good, then there is a Wire that is Leaking to Ground Somewhere in the Harness. Most times it the Headlight System. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John