Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Cub Cadet RZT-42 Zero turn voltage regulator, regulator rectifier, briggs and stratton

Question
Paul, you helped me a couple of weeks back on the hydro unit on this mower, got all that taken care of and now having ANOTHER problem. Thought I had a battery problem because mower was slow to start and would "drag" the starter and eventually run down the battery. Put a new battery in and it did the same thing. Cub Cadet dealer said my starter might be bad, removed it, took it in, they tested it and said it was bad. $85 later, new starter, battery and is still doing the same thing.After battery is charged up, it will turn over and start but let sit over night and same thing, acts like battery is dead. Is this possibly a voltage regulator or starter solenoid problem? Found where the starter solenoid is but not sure how to check it. No idea where the voltage vegulator is?? Have a service manual but does not show a V/R. Engine is a 18HP INTEK Briggs and Stratton. Any advice or help would be appreciated.

Thanks for all!!

Jim

Answer
hi  jim


good to hear we got the problem sorted  -

can you let me know the model and type numbers of the b/s engine cover
this helps me identify correct alternator / charging system your engine has

it could have  2 black wires from alternator and a yellow connector and 2 yellow wires going to regulator/ rectifier   and 1 x red wire comming from regulator rectifier
and could be 10  or 16 amp  system

a/c volts output for 10 amp system is 20 volts a/c minimum @ 3600 rpm
and for 16 amp system  30 volts a/c  minimum @ 3600 rpm

if a/c output is low  on either   faulty alternator but if within specs or better
check @ battery for at least 2 volt above battery voltage if charging system is working
but also check that reg/rectifier is grounding( fit extra earth wire to metal casing )

reg/rectifier should be bolted to a metal plate on the left or r/h rear sides of engine ie close to starter motor or to oil filter assy  

check a/c output wires from alternator have not been piched to ground or shorted if so damaged  alternator

can you find a test substitute reg/ rectifer to bolt on as a test unit   from another machine maybe

let me know model and type and date codes of engine

and will try to help further

cheers  paul