Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Battery Wont Recharge, steering wheel puller, pipe cap

Question
I have a craftsman 16 HP riding lawn mower, Model #917.272060.  The battery won't recharge and I've replaced the battery twice.  In the owners manual, I see alternator listed in the electrical wiring, but can't find the part in the part lisitng.  Where is the alternator located and is that the problem?

Answer
Hello Charles:

Is a Stator Listed? A Stator is Also Called an Alternator by Some OEMs. Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and Must Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. **BE CAREFUL  DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). Repeat the Procedure Until the Flywheel can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. The Stator/Alternator is the Unit with a Series of Small Coils Bolted Under the Flywheel. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (Kohler) and Enter the Model Numbers (CV460S-26509). This is the Engine Model on your Mower. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. Select the Ignition/Electrical File. The Stator/Alternator is Shown as Breakdown #11. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, then I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John