Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): honda charging system, salt spreader, charging system

Question
Using a 5hp Honda to power a salt spreader. It has its own car type battery for starting. The battery keeps going dead( have replaced it). How can I check the charging system and where does it recieve its charge from? Thanks, Ralph

Answer
Hi Ralph,

The battery is mosy likely charged from the charging coil located in the flywheel.  There may be a faulty inline rectifier or diode that regulates the charge.  The coil itself may have failed.  I don't know how to test either.

Good luck,
Michael