Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): L130 wont start, hp kohler, charging system

Question
Hi,
    My JD L130 wouldn't start a couple of weeks ago.  I checked battery and found it to read ~8V.  Put charger on it, and got 2 more mowings.  Wouldn't start again, figured it was the battery going bad, so replaced it.  Mowed 3 times with new battery, and now it won't start again.  Read 12.17 tonight, and with a quick boost from charger, took off.  Checked it while running, and don't see the numbers coming up.  Book says it is a "regulated circuit" charging system.  What does that mean?  And, is there any way to diagnose what part of the electrical system is not functioning properly.  Could it be a bad starter, with too much resistance?  Or, is the charging system not putting out anything back to the battery?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Bruce

PS. It is the 23 hp Kohler motor


Answer
Hello Bruce:

This Engines Charging System Uses a Voltage Regulator. Using the Site Addys that I will Supply, I Suggest you Check the Voltage from the Stator/Charging Coil to the Voltage Regulator. If the Stator/Charging Coil is Showing the Correct Voltage, then the Voltage Regulator is Bad. If No Voltage or Low Voltage, then the Stator is Bad and Usually the Regulator will be Bad too. Usually the Regulator Protects the Stator/Charging Coil from Damage if the Mower is Jumped Using a Vehicle with the Engine Running. The Vehicles Charging System is 68 Amps Minimum and a Mowers Charging System is 18 Amps Maximum. The Higher Charging System will Damage the Lower Charging System when the Lower Amp System Starts to Produce Current During the Jumper Process. 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. 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 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. 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