How do I check the charging circuit of my Yardman Beetle, Briggs and Stratton 8.5 hp engine? I have problems with battery failure.

G Hudon, November 2007

I only get 11 volts output at full revs. The battery is dead, so I put a resistor across the leads, and then tested it, and I still only get 11 volts. Where do I find the charging diode? The machine is a Yardman Beetle DX 70. Ride on mower

G Hudson, December 2007

Put a volt meter across the battery terminals - you should see around 12v. Start the engine (if you have electric start the voltage will drop to around 10v) once the engine is running, expect to see around 13.5v on your meter. If no increase in voltage, suspect the charging diode, if there is have the battery checked out by a motor factor - they don't last too long on garden machines.

John, November 2007