Briggs vanguard engine not charging

[Dave W]

Got a 21hp Briggs vanguard v-twin on a mower.
The red wire coming out from behind the starter is giving 14odd volts. Tried it with a used and new regulator and also bypassing the regulator.
Found the fuse which is ok. And also the diode which is ok and been tried bypassed.
Battery is only showing 12.6v
Battery is new.
Any ideas?

 

[Kevm]

So you have 12.6v engine off and 14odd v coming from the alternator, what voltage have you got across the battery when running?
Does the red charging wire go straight to the battery or to the ign key, can you follow/confirm the 14odd volts is good all the way to the battery.

 

[Dave W]

So you have 12.6v engine off and 14odd v coming from the alternator, what voltage have you got across the battery when running?
Does the red charging wire go straight to the battery or to the ign key, can you follow/confirm the 14odd volts is good all the way to the battery.

Battery never moves from 12.6v once it recovers from initial starting.
not been able to trace the wire through, just disappears into the loom

 

[Kevm]

Sounds like you have a bad connection somewhere in the loom then, you need to trace that wire see where it goes and "follow the money"

 

[Dave W]

Sounds like you have a bad connection somewhere in the loom then, you need to trace that wire see where it goes and "follow the money"

For arguments sake, if I was to connect the red wire direct to the battery + would it charge?

 

[Timbo]

14v pre reg isn't enough, should be nearer 20v rising wirh engine speed

 

[Dave W]

14v pre reg isn't enough, should be nearer 20v rising wirh engine speed

Sorry yes should've said it was 14+ v. Did get to 20 flat out

 

[Kevm]

For arguments sake, if I was to connect the red wire direct to the battery + would it charge?

I don't see why not, you did say there was a diode inline so that should stop any backfeed/drain but if it was mine I would want to know where the red wire went and where it connected to.

 

[Nearly]

@TripleSix

 

[Mur Huwcun]

For arguments sake, if I was to connect the red wire direct to the battery + would it charge?

You mean to say you have connected the wire, some smoke and funny smells came from somewhere but it’s still not charging.......

 

[Dave W]

You mean to say you have connected the wire, some smoke and funny smells came from somewhere but it’s still not charging.......

Well no the opposite. Nothing happened

 

[Netherfield]

Throw it away and put a Honda on it.

 

[Dave W]

Throw it away and put a Honda on it.

Helpful

 

[Netherfield]

Helpful

Sorry, I just don't like B&S engines, they were designed in the USA to be thrown away if anything went wrong with them.

 

[Timbo]

Replace charging coil, replace regulator.

 

[TripleSix]

Probably either a blown fuse or poorly ignition switch.
Connect the regulator output to the battery, it should charge.
If it does, you have a wiring issue.

 

[Dave W]

Probably either a blown fuse or poorly ignition switch.
Connect the regulator output to the battery, it should charge.
If it does, you have a wiring issue.

To the positive?

 

[TripleSix]

To the positive?

Aye

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

Battery never moves from 12.6v once it recovers from initial starting.
not been able to trace the wire through, just disappears into the loom

Have you tried with another battery? I know you said this was new, but new batteries have known to be faulty.

If it’s the same, then as Timbo says your next step is the regulator then charging coil in that order. Regulators being less reliable than coils and generally cheaper and easier to swap.

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

Throw it away and put a Honda on it.

I know it’s not helpful, but I concur with your sentiment. They were known as Briggs and Scrap-em for a reason.