Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Sears 16hp lawntractor Onan Engine, onan engines, lawntractor

Question
My old tractor stales when I remove either battery cable. It has the problem ofdraining the battery, then it stales.I thought by the electrical diagram, I disconected the Voltage regulator. I thought that this would allow me to run without lights and a/c. I found that it drained the battery still and died. The wires seem to be connected as the Sears diagram shows...Please detal suggestions. MR. SNOWPLOWLESS

Answer
Older Onan engines such as yours might be have a 12V ignition system rather than a magneto igntion.  Therefore, the ignition coil needs to be supplied 12V from the battery in order to have spark.  You will need to troubleshoot your charging issue instead of trying to disconnect the system.  This procedure is way too involved to describe here and I recommend you take it into a good shop or locate a proper service manual for it.  Hope this helps.