littlebuddie
Member
Hello Friends,
My question is regarding my Snapper lawn mower LT160H42CBV2, 16 hp Briggs O/H valve V-twin 42" deck. I bought it new around 1996. Problem lately is new upper-end battery won't hold full charge, doesn't want to start without a lot of cranking and if lucky it will finally start and run through lengthy mowing. But then a trickle charge is necessary for further use after a day or two sitting. Checked voltage regulator when running, puts out about 13+ DC volts which matches battery volts after a charge, checked alternator output, 17+ volts AC which is below par by my understanding. Suspecting a bad alternator I pulled the flywheel and alternator - not my idea of fun for a 68 y/o woman. Alternator looks pristine but the flywheel was dreadfully cake-filled with dirt even laminated on the magnets, not unusual for its age. Could that be the problem? Do alternators go bad even if they look good? Since it was tested under load and failed, is there another way to bench test it? Just trying to fix this without throwing money unnecessarily at it but I don't want to keep assembling/disassembling it just to troubleshoot, I'd rather be growing old helping others. All responses gratefully appreciated, I have the electrical schematic if that be useful.
Thanks,
Laurel In Oregon
My question is regarding my Snapper lawn mower LT160H42CBV2, 16 hp Briggs O/H valve V-twin 42" deck. I bought it new around 1996. Problem lately is new upper-end battery won't hold full charge, doesn't want to start without a lot of cranking and if lucky it will finally start and run through lengthy mowing. But then a trickle charge is necessary for further use after a day or two sitting. Checked voltage regulator when running, puts out about 13+ DC volts which matches battery volts after a charge, checked alternator output, 17+ volts AC which is below par by my understanding. Suspecting a bad alternator I pulled the flywheel and alternator - not my idea of fun for a 68 y/o woman. Alternator looks pristine but the flywheel was dreadfully cake-filled with dirt even laminated on the magnets, not unusual for its age. Could that be the problem? Do alternators go bad even if they look good? Since it was tested under load and failed, is there another way to bench test it? Just trying to fix this without throwing money unnecessarily at it but I don't want to keep assembling/disassembling it just to troubleshoot, I'd rather be growing old helping others. All responses gratefully appreciated, I have the electrical schematic if that be useful.
Thanks,
Laurel In Oregon