QuestionQUESTION: I have an older John Deere 180 with a Kawasaki FC540V. My problem is that it is not charging. The battery light is always on except when you wiggle the key a little then it will go out but the blades don't engage unless the light is on. Would the problem be with the ignition or charging system? I have a battery charger with an alternator test on it and with the key positioned to where the light is out it say alt is ok with light on it shows a fault. I'm scratching my head please help.
ANSWER: Is the key switch connection clean? I would dis-connect the battery cables and clean the battery posts and cable ends with a wirebrush...I've fixed a lot of mowers just by cleaning the connections.
What is the voltage, at the battery, with the mower running full speed and the blades on?
Let me know.
Eric
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: With the key in position with no light the voltage is 16 to 16.5 with it in postion that allows blades to come on (battery light lite) the voltage is 12.1 to 12.6. Which I assume is just on battery. I tried cleaning everything and replacing a burnt plug but still not charging. I cut most of the grass and with about ten minutes worth left it tore up a brand new deck belt. I love this mower more then my brand new Troy-Built Bronco with don't cut for sh€£. Should I try a new ignition switch and belt now or you think it is something else?
AnswerThe older JD is far superior to the newer Troy-Bilt IMO.
Here is the link to the engine service manual:
http://www3.kawpowr.com/enginesecure/ServiceManuals/FC290V.pdf
Page 34 has the regulator checks.
This link has a PTO check out link but you need to create a user account:
http://www.tractorforum.com/f154/electric-pto-testing-5363/
How old is your JD mower?
Let me know if the regualtor and PTO clutch test good.
Eric
