Gravely mower charging issues

thebigyellowtruck · Jun 19, 2013

I have a Gravely ZT2552 HD. It has a 25HP Kohler Courage. Last year it started giving me intermittent battery problems. I bought a new battery this spring thinking it would fix my problem. That didn't work. It seems like it needs a new solenoid because when you turn the key to start it sometimes it will just click other times it starts right up. I've also been having to jump start it after it sits for a week. Like the battery has a draw on it. It also wont charge while to mower is running. If I turn it off while mowing I usually have to jump it again. Do you guys think that by changing my solenoid the draw and no charging will stop as well or do I have bigger problems?

jimg.allentown · Jun 19, 2013

Well..... I have found in my experience that the most expensive and ineffective way to fix a problem is to start throwing parts at it.

Having said that, my suggestion would be to start by checking for alternator output. Keeping in mind that the ignition system and any electrical loads (like warning lights, electric fuel pump, etc.) will draw down the battery while you are mowing. Look for battery voltage to increase from the normal engine off voltage of about 11.5 to 12.5 (depending on state of charge) and see if it rises when the engine is running. It should go up to at least 14 volts.
Your solenoid is not a part of the charging system. It is simply a heavy duty switch for switching the high current that the starter requires.

El Toro · Jun 19, 2013

Find a wiring diagram for that engine. You may have a rectifier/regulator that's fed AC voltage. Use a volt meter set on AC volts and with the engine at 1/2 throttle or better you should have about 30 volts. If there's no AC volts your stator is defective. If there's AC volts your rectifier/regulator is probably defective. Check your charging voltage across the battery terminals should see 14.0-14.5 volts at 1/2 throttle or better. As been mentioned your solenoid has nothing to do with your low voltage on your battery. Hal

El Toro · Jun 19, 2013

Some Kohler engines had this stator and rectifier
for keeping the battery charged. Hal

joe csuti · Jun 19, 2013

First thing check for a blown fuse,wiring diag for tractor shows two fuses in wiring harness,one feeds power to ign sw from battery,other fuse is on output of regulator to charge battery.Goto link below & download a service manual for your eng,in section 8 of manual it will tell you how to id/troubleshoot charging system,if charging system proves not to be the problem,looking at wiring diag I would suspect you have a bad ign sw or a problem in wiring harness.Also check that connections for pos(+)battery connection are clean/tight at battery & battery terminal on sol,also check that neg(-) battery connection clean/tight at battery & where cable bolts to eng/chassis,also check that neg(-) connection for sol coil is clean/tight where it connects to chassis.
kohler

thebigyellowtruck · Jun 20, 2013

thanks for the info guys. I know that the solenoid isn't usually part of the charging system, but I was hoping that it would a simple fix. I am not very comfortable with electrical systems. I'm going to have to dig into it again when I get home from work on Friday. Thanks again.

Gravely mower charging issues

thebigyellowtruck

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jimg.allentown

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El Toro

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El Toro

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joe csuti

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thebigyellowtruck

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