Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman B&S 24hp model 917.275685, battery cables, ammeter

Question
Hey Eric I have a charging problem,i bought this new in 05 and then last year my battery died on me so i bought a new one it started up perfectly and as i was cutting the grass i noticed my Ammeter was discharging so i turned my attachment clutch switch off and my ammeter went back up to 12 and every time i would engage my blades it went back to discharge by the time i got through cutting my lawn i turned the ignition off and tried to crank it back up battery was dead so i was told that i needed a new regulator put it on and i still had the same problem i,m thinking i need a new alternator can you help with me figure this out Eric

Answer
Alternators rarely fail.  Have you dis-connected the battery cables and cleaned the battery posts and cable ends with a wirebrush? I have fixed many charging problems just by cleaning the connections.

Clutches fail more often than alternators. Clutches can be expensive to replace so try cleaning the battery and cable connections before replacing any other expensive parts.
Let me know what happens.
Eric