Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Riding mower battery drains, briggs and stratton, starter solenoid

Question
QUESTION: I have an 18HP Sears (Poulan Pro branded - model PR1842STC)) riding mower that runs fine and charges the battery well when it is running.  However, between mowings (about a week) the battery goes dead and I have to jump start it for the next mowing.  By the end of mowing, the battery is charged again and I can start without a jump.    (It has lights, but those are definitely off when it is not running).  I replaced the battery with a new battery, but got the same results.  There has never been any corrosion on the battery terminals.

What could be causing the discharge and how can I find it?

ANSWER: Hello Pete:

Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you or Send me the Model and Type Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. From your Description, it Sounds like a Bad Wire, the Starter Solenoid is Bad or the Ign Switch is Bad. The Mower Model will Give me Access to the Electrical Diagram of the Mower and I can Better Assist you then. Thanks.

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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi John,

Mower Model Number: PR1842STC (Poulan PRO - Sears)
Engine Model Number: Briggs and Stratton 280000

You can find a manual / schematic for this mower at the following URL:
http://www.outdoordistributors.com/pdf/AYP/AYP-MODEL-PR1842STC-PARTS-LIST.pdf

Thank you for your time and help.
Pete


Answer
Hello Again Pete:

Thanks for the Site Addy. That was a Surprise. LOL.  On this Model Mower the Diagnostic goes as Follows. 1- Check the Battery for Bad/Weak Cell. 2- the Ign Switch is Bad. 3- the Starter Solenoid is Bad and Leaking Voltage to Ground. 4- the Ammeter is Bad. Usually the Ign Switch or the Solenoid are the First to Cause this Problem if the Battery has No Weak/Dead Cells. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John