GBertolet
Well-Known OPE Member
I have a DR Powerwagon with a 5hp B&S electric start engine. I have always had trouble starting this engine, using the electric start. It never seems to turn the engine over fast enough to start it. One pull on the recoil start, gets it going every time. It came with a 12V 5.6 AH battery. I always suspected the battery was undersized, so I just used the recoil start. I use the Powerwagon to haul firewood from the woods, and the electric start would be handy, instead of cracking your elbow against a tree, in tight clearence situations, when pulling the recoil start cord.
I tried the electric start again this week, and the battery was dead, and I decided to test the charging circuit. This engine has a bolt on alternator along the flywheel, that looks like an ignition coil. The part # is 691991. Is the voltage leaving supposed to be DC or AC? I don't see a diode beyond the coil. Maybe it's inside. I am getting both 6v DC, and 15v AC on my meter on the wire leaving. I suspect the alternator is bad. I should be ultimately have around 14v DC, or 30v AC, depending on where the diode is. Any info would be appreciated.
I tried the electric start again this week, and the battery was dead, and I decided to test the charging circuit. This engine has a bolt on alternator along the flywheel, that looks like an ignition coil. The part # is 691991. Is the voltage leaving supposed to be DC or AC? I don't see a diode beyond the coil. Maybe it's inside. I am getting both 6v DC, and 15v AC on my meter on the wire leaving. I suspect the alternator is bad. I should be ultimately have around 14v DC, or 30v AC, depending on where the diode is. Any info would be appreciated.