Question"I reversed the polarity on a replacement battery for my John Deere LT 155 lawn mower. It has a Kohler engine. It started smoking around the flywheel. I corrected the polarity but it started smoking again. I anticipate I smoked the diodes in the stator. What do you think?
Thanks for your time and expertise
AnswerI would have to agree with the diodes.
Most of the time only the diodes short, leaving the alternator alone; i.e. the alternator is still usuable.
I would check with your local John Deere dealer or Kohler dealer to see if you can just replace the diodes.
This has happened to many technicians, at least once. It generally just takes one time and you never to it again. Learn from mistakes. Anyhow, I know Briggs now sell just the diode.
Let me know if you have any other questions. Make sure you check the main harness fuse and associated wiring.
Eric
