BX1860 Charging Question

[Hammatime]

I have a 5 year old BX1860, that the battery is not charging. I can jump start it fine. Once jumped and running, voltage across the battery terminals is ~15v. With headlights and hazards on, drops to ~ 14.5 volts (tested with a "decent" multi-meter). Ran it for ~2+ hours mowing the lawn, brought back to the driveway and shut down. Immediately tried to crank it over, and it wouldn't budge - not even clicks coming from the starter.

Had to let it sit for 2 weeks due to work travel, now trying to troubleshoot. Same voltage across the battery once jumped. Power down and the battery is reading ~6 volts. It's the original battery so could well be shot, but I'm worried about the 15v reading when running. I don't want to replace the battery if I have a bad voltage regulator that will then overcharge again. Any way I can tell for sure what the problem(s) are?

 

[RCW]

Some of the auto supplies can load test the battery. I've never had it done, but I guess its pretty reliable. I'd start there.

The VR is internal to the alternator? Ruling out the older battery is much simpler/cheaper than replacing the alternator.

Seems like very recently someone mentioned 15v was right at the upper limit for the alternator systems. Dynamo systems were less.

Try the search function for VR or battery voltage, and see if you can come up with it.

Good luck!

 

[CountryBumkin]

Get a new battery.

 

[85Hokie]

I am with the other two guys.....

A bad battery will not take a charge no matter what you do!

Have you checked voltage at battery while NOT running?

Take battery out - take it to local auto parts store, have them check it out .....


Five years is about right for a typical battery!

 

[Dave_eng]

Your battery is done and if you continue to boost the tractor to get it started and then leave the charging system to try and deal with the dead battery the next thing to go will be the charging system.

When you buy a new alternator for your vehicle it will come with a warning note to the effect to charge your battery and then use the new alternator so as to avoid damaging the new alternator.

Unless you have a large 18 wheeler type vehicle, the alternators are not designed to output their rated capacity for long periods of time. They will overheat and fail.
Dave M7040

 

[cerlawson]

Make sure the posts are clean and the connectors are clean. Loose and dirty contacts there are common due to heating and cooling affecting dimensions.

 

[100 td]

<Power down and the battery is reading ~6 volts. It's the original battery so could well be shot>
Yep it's shot!

 

[RonBoyBX25D]

I would go with a new battery, also put a trickle charger on it and it will keep it ready to go. I have a Genious 750 and a Battery Tender 1.5 amp, both are good.