Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): replacing alternator on Briggs 8hp, bridge rectifier, regulator rectifier

Question
I have a Briggs 8hp model#191707 type 5926-01 code 90082130 on a cub rider, I can't keep battery charged and have replaced battery with new one,  It discharged in less than an hour of use.  Is it alternator?  Do I have to remove flywheel and starter to replace it?

Answer
You have a bad diode in the charge circuit.  Locate the wires coming out of the engine under the flywheel that go to the battery.  It may go through a bridge rectifier worry regulator rectifier.  There also just may be a bump in the wire and that is the diode it could be taken out and a new one put in but it should be tested first with the continuity meter continuity should go in one way and not the other if it flows both ways the diode is bad.  If you have bridge rectifier or regulator rectifier the diodes inside them may be bad I suggest finding a wiring schematic to find words current goes in and were the current comes out.  It could be checked with the continuity meter and again current only flows in one direction if the diode is good.  Another quick thought would be a bad ground wire or corrosion before going through all this be sure that all ground wires are attached and have good ground.