Battery discharges on 416-8 when parked

[johnnymag3 2,441]

Looking for some ideas here.   Battery will drain down when parked.

 

889 hours, 16 HP Kohler 416-8 Wheel Horse.

 

 

  

 

I never had this problem before and trying to find out what the deal is with this newly aquired Tractor..........

 

 

Edited April 18, 2021 by johnnymag3

[stevasaurus 22,229]

Probably those pesky democrat's.    

[pfrederi 17,147]

Disconnect battery Ground cable and hook a test light between it and the battery negative.  Should not light.  If it does start pulling fuses till it goes out...I would start just disconnecting the regulator and see if that makes the light co out.  internal cut out may have gone bad.

[squonk 38,916]

Dirt/ grass across the battery or fuses can cause a draw.

[ranger 1,633]

Turn the lights off, 😀 I’ve got a Raider 10 that does the same thing, I just haven’t got around to checking it yet, probably regulator. I took the battery off.

[Bill D 1,599]

What charging system?  The 3 amp or the 15 amp?  

[johnnymag3 2,441]

7 hours ago, Bill D said:

What charging system?  The 3 amp or the 15 amp?  

Bill.....Im going to get the Horse today, I will let ya know when I get home...unsure at this point

 

Thanks, John

[Bill D 1,599]

If it has the two circuit stator, consider upgrading to the 15 amp charging system.  Only minor wiring needed to make the lights work properly again.  I did this on one of my machines.  Call me if you have any questions.  Bill

[johnnymag3 2,441]

I believe its the 2 circuit stator? How can I tell....by the regulator?

[johnnymag3 2,441]

Its a 3 amp I was told......1985 -86 were 3 Amp ?

 

I will look for the diode in the wire from the Stator

 

Thanks, john

Edited April 20, 2021 by johnnymag3

[johnnymag3 2,441]

So now I am reading that the 416-8 is a 15 amp regulated circuit !

I have the original owners manual in my hands and it states as such

 

John

 

[Bill D 1,599]

Does it have a rectifier bolted into the blower housing or mounted externally?  If the headlights only come on when the engine is running, and they change in brightness when the engine speed is changed, then you have the 3 amp unregulated charging system.  That system has a separate AC just for the headlights.  Bill

[johnnymag3 2,441]

The Headlights function with the engine off, key on... So I guess it is the 15 Amp. There is a rectifier bolted to the tin on the Kohler 16hp.   being cooled by the fan, yes

 

Still searching for the battery draw....test light is so dim, but it is lit.

 

thanks again

 

John

[johnnymag3 2,441]

unplugged regulator....still have light on...

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 10,495]

Unplug the circuit board for the idiot lights. That should not have any affect on how the tractor operates but is powered by the battery with the key OFF.

The only other component that has battery power with the key OFF is the ignition switch. Pull the 5-wire connector off the switch and see what happens.

Garry

[johnnymag3 2,441]

Gonna try Garrys test tonight !!!!

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 10,495]

Ran into a similar dead battery after 2 days sitting. Charges good and normally cranks good. 

Removed battery to charge at 2 amps for a day. 

Checked for voltage between negative battery post and the battery case at the positive post. 5 volts.

This battery looked dry but a light layer of dust on the top. It was enough to put a constant draw on the battery.

Washed it up and problem solved.

Reinstalled and looked for parasitic draw by measuring voltage between disconnected negative cable and negative battery post. None.

The 5 volts using a voltmeter as an ammeter is not honest but translates to milliamps of current draw.

Garry