Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): new battery will not stay charged, twin cylinder engines, huskee mower

Question
Have a 42" Huskee mower w/Tecumshe motor. The battery was purchased in April 2007 and mower has been progressively harder to start. Finally tried the jump starter and it fired right up. Next morning dead again. Please let me know what else to do, have checked battery water level it is ok. thanks

Answer
Hello Beverly:

There are Several Possible Causes for this Problem. 1- The New battery has a Weak Cell. The Weak Cell Draws the Other Cells Down which Lowers the Battery Voltage. 2- The Alternator/Stator/Voltage Regulator is Bad. Send me the Model and Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. 3- If the Valves Require Adjustment, then the Compression Release will Not Function Properly and cause the Problem you Described. Since you have a New Battery; I Suggest you Check the Battery Voltage. With the Engine Running at Full Throttle; Check the Battery Voltage. It Should Read 12.8 to 14.8 VDC. If Less Tahn 12.6, then the Voltage Regulaor or the Alternator/Stator is bad. If the Voltage is Correct, then Reset the Valves. To Reset the Valves; 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 (Both Rocker Arms will have Play in them when the Engine is at TDC) When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .008in - .010in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. 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. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

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Respectfully

John