Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Battery Not Charging, john deere 165, kawasaki engine

Question
I have a John Deere 165 riding mower with a FB460V Kawasaki engine. The battery is not charging. Voltage on battery before starting is 12.3 volts, when running is 12.5 volts. I checked the voltage on the connector coming out of the shroud (I think this comes from the stator) and it is 24.0 volts. I'm not sure  what else to check at this point. Thanks.

Answer
Ron
Sounds like the battery charging rectifier is going bad. You should have at least 14 volts or more when the mower is running.One other thing is to check the battery if the battery is going bad it wont hold a charge that long and the engine is using the power before it gets to recharge.