Question: My 385777 type 0349-E1 does not show charging EXCEPT maybe 1 or 2 times while I'm mowing, it will charge for a few seconds. I put in a brand new battery, but nothing changed. Has anyone else ever had this problem? This engine is on our Husqvarna YTH 2148 riding mower - 2004 purchased new.

Thanks for this forum.

 

Are you having problems with it, or is it just that the needle isn't showing charging? Have you checked the connections?

 

Yes, connections are good and tight. Could it be an intermittent problem with the voltage regulator? I found the regulator on the side of the engine, just in front of the starter. The needle works fine. It does show charging sometimes, but it only lasts for 5 or 10 seconds, and when I'm mowing, it shows discharge with the mower blades engaged (air clutch). As soon as I disengage the blades, the ammeter goes back up to "0" . Thank you for responding.

 

I still don't know if you actually have a problem. Is the battery dying or no?

You can't go by just the cheesy ammeter... they're not always right or accurate. Is it charging when the electric pto clutch is off?

 

Yes, the battery is dying. I have to charge it after each mowing. or it is too weak to start the next time, It shows a deep discharge when the PTO is engaged.

 

Do you have a voltmeter?_____________

 

Yes, I have a voltmeter. What should I check?

 

There is a voltage regulator on the side of the engine. It's a square box with I think 3 wires going to it. With the engine running full throttle, measure the DC voltage on the red single wire coming out of the regulator.

 

OK, here's what I did. I had the voltage regulator unbolted from the side of the engine while I was looking around for any connection problem. I tapped on it several times with a screwdriver handle (while it was hanging there). This tapping took place while the engine was running, and there was no change in the ammeter reading. Now, the next day, I cleaned the surface of the regulator and the surface of the area where the regulator is mounted, then I bolted the regulator back in place. I started it up, and amazingly it shows a good charge. I took it out on a run around the place, and purposely went over a few rough spots to see if it would take the vibration and bouncing. It still is charging. I mowed two different times since, and I have not had to charge the battery any more. Now, my QUESTION, is the regulator case grounded to the engine housing, and by cleaning the surfaces get that ground back ? Thanks for your responses.

 

Yes, there is a connection between the regulator case and the engine. It was apparently loose or dirty.