Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 16hp B&S, flywheel, alternators

Question
Hi,

I'm just trying to figure out the correct placement of the 2 wires that are coming out from behind the flywheel on my 16hp B&S.At the moment i have the black one just earthed out on the block and the red one going to the 'L' on the ignition switch,which i'm told is for the lights..i was thinking it was supposed to have power going to it in the accessories position hence why i hooked it up to the 'L'.But it seems to smoke alot after its been running and am unsure if it is because of the way i have it hooked up or if because have'nt had it running in so long that its just the dust and crap burning off...any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Brett

Answer
The wire you are grounding to earth is not a ground...it is coming from the alternator, positive voltage.

The link below provides an excellent explanation on Briggs alternators, what the wires are, and how to wire them.

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

Let me know if the link helps.

Eric