Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): murray riding lawn mower electrical problem, ac volts, starter checks

Question
I have a murray riding lawn mower that will not even turn over when the ignition key is turned on after the mower has sat for 2 or 3 days. It has a brand new battery and both it and the starter checks out fine. Also it will not turn over when the mower engine is hot after using it for about 30 minutes and the engine turned off. I will turn the ignition key on and it will not even turn over. Something is draining the battery, but I don't know what. I have to charge the battery to get it started again. What could be the problem?

Answer
Hello Larry:

The Stator/Charging Coil is Draining the Battery. This would Also Explain the Hard Starting when Hot. The Battery is Being Drained During Use by the Engines Carburetor Solenoid and is Lacking the Proper Voltage to Properly Start the Engine During Use. I Suggest you Check the Stator/Charging Coil and Regulator if the Engine Uses one and Replace the Required Parts/s. Most Stators can be Tested Using the Guide at the Following Site Addy; For Testing the Electrical (Charging) System on Mowers you can Use this Site Addy; http://faqs.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faqs.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3438&p... and Use the Link for AC Volts/DC Amps Meter Setting Chart. This is for Briggs Engines and Works Well for Kohler and Other Engine OEMs. The Following is the Instruction File I Made for Removing the Flywheel from Most Mower Engines for Replacing the Flywheel Key, the Stator/Charging Coil/Magneto and the Point Set on Older Engines without Electronic Ign Coils. It is the Basics and if you have a Question, Please Ask. Any Input to Make this File Better is Appreciated. ***Disconnect the Coil Wire from the Spark Plug. Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Coil. Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and and the Jaws of a Standard Puller will Not Fit. On these Type Engines you can Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. **BE CAREFUL  DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). Repeat the Procedure Until the Flywheel can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. *** Be Sure you have the Flywheel Torqued to the Proper Torque (I require the Model and Spec/Type Numbers Off the Engine to Provide the Proper Torque) and Set the Coil Gap to .020in.. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. I Hope you Had a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

Hello Again Larry:

I Just Read your Comments and Ratings and to Say Thanks and to Respond. You Did Not Say you had a Murray Garden Tractor. Your E-mail says "murray riding lawn mower " and I Sent you the Instruction for Correcting the Problem for a Riding Lawn Mower. I Appoligize if there was a Misunderstanding. If you will Send me the Model Numbers Off the Unit I will be More than Happy to Assit you in Correcting the Problem for the Tractor. There are Many Different Types (6 at last count) of Charging Systems on the Lawn and Garden Tractors and it would take up More Space than I am Allowed to Send in 1 E-mail. Thanks for Using All Experts. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy.

Respectfully

John