Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman mower battery problem, twin cylinder engines, sears craftsman

Question
Dear John. I have a Sears Craftsman 17.5 HP 42" riding mower. The Model number is 917.272673. I suspect my alternator is not charging my battery back up. I keep charging my battery then it would run for two or three mowings then be dead. So I went and bought a new one. It ran great once and then was dead today when I went to start it. I will say after choking my mower when I do have the battery to start it it takes awhile for it to catch and start. I put a new filter,plug and oil change last year. Any way I know those aren't related probably but before I just go buy an alternator what do you think? I appreciate the help you give others and God Bless you. Thank you. Mike

Answer
Hello Mike:

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. If the Battery and Charging System Check Good, then the Valve Clearance May Require Setting. On the OHV Engines, the Compression Release Operates Off the Valve System. When the Valve Clearance becomes too Wide, the Compression Release Stops Operating and you will have the Problem you Described. The Following is a Basic File I mad for this Procedure. Any Input is Appreciated. **I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center on the Compression Stroke When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .007in - .009in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke.** On Some Engines you can Us a Straightened Coat Hanger and Feel the Piston. Be Careful and Dont Jam the Wire in the Cylinder. Usually the Piston will Push the Wire Out of the Spark Plug Hole with No Problems. 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