Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Dead battery, starter solenoid, volt drop

Question
Have a Craftsman garden tractor 917.272960 with a Kohler CV20S-65561 engine. With 9.5 volts in the battery when I jumped started the engine the stator was putting out 28-30 volts AC and the rectifier was putting out 14-15 volts DC. This was measured at the rectifier without unplugging it. Up at the battery, across the terminals, was getting the same as at the rectifier. So I reason that the stator and rectifier are in good working order and charging the battery, since after 10-15 minutes the battery reads around 12 volts. But when it sits there is a battery drain. In 30 minutes there was .4 volt drop in the battery. Besides the ignition switch what else should I check?

Answer
Hello Forst:

First, Disconnect the Battery and Charge it. Allow it to Set for 15 Minutes and Read the Voltage. Then Wait 4 Hours and Read the Voltage. If the Battery has a Weak Cell, it will Drain the Other Cells Down. If the Battery is Good, then the Starter Solenoid and Ignition Switch are the Next to Check in the Diagnostics Process. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. 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