Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): electrical problem, john deere stx38, battery connections

Question
I have a John Deere stx38 with Kohler 12.5. Battery was dead. I put in a new one.  I got sparks when I went to attach  the new battery. Ignition was off. I pulled the ignition switch-still sparked. I went around the solenoid and it still shorted. I can hear a muffled click from the engine when I touch a battery terminal.  The mower started when I attached the battery in spite of the short. ran for a short time --I turned it off and it would not start again-battery down I assume.  Any idea where to look for the problem??

Answer
Hello Gary:

From your Description it Sounds like the Voltage Regulator or Stator is Bad. 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. Select the Engine File. Now Select the Flywheel, Ign Coil and Stator File. The Voltage Regulator is #6 in the Breakdown. Unplug the Regulator and See if you Still get Sparks at the Battery Connections. If No, then Use these Site Addys to Check/Test the Stator and Regulator. Use this Site Addy to Assist you in Identifying the Correct Charging System/Stator http://www4.briggsandstratton.com/miscpdfs/RNT/alternator_id.pdf and Use this Site Addy for Testing/Checking the Charging System/Stator. http://faqs.custhelp.com/rnt/rnw/img/enduser/105-AC_DC_test_chart.jpg . If Yes to Sparks, then Look for a Short in the Wiring Harness. 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