Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Scotts by John Deere with Kohler GC 16S, steering wheel puller, jd dealer

Question
Hi John,
I, unfortunately bought a short lived Scotts LT from HD. Getting it serviced is a nightmare as no JD dealer will touch it. I have the S1642 model and it has a Kohler GC 16S (it does have an S on the nameplate and not a 5). There was no engine parts breakdown when I bought it new. The literature is really lacking but what is happening is that I can't re-charge my battery and have to jump it with a portable battery jumper each time I want to use it. I have tried replacing the battery twice and it started right up but then the next time I can't start it without jumping it. Is there an alternator or something like that on the engine that can be replaced as without an engine breakdown I am really at a loss as what to do now. Thank you for the service that you provide, I really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Cal

Answer
Hello Cal:

You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers (Scotts) and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. The Stator is Shown in the Electrical File in the Flywheel, Ign Coil and Stator Sub File. The Following is the Instruction File I Made for Removing the Flywheel from Most Mower Engines.  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 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 Must 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 and Set the Coil Gap to .020in.. Now you can Replace the Stator. 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John