Hi,

This actually goes along with my previous post about Lawn Tractor
Battery/Charging issue but experience tells me it's best to separate
things like this.

Motor Overheats. This lawn tractor is charging its battery at a rate of
15Amps constantly (Subject of the referenced post). Therefore I'm
assuming that might be a relatively high load on the motor to run the
generator at 15Amps. I believe 15A is the max the generator can provide
since meter full scale is 18A.
Then add to that, taking it out into a field and cutting field grass
(wildflowers & grass, etc. abt 2 ft high) at the max recommended rpm,
for an hour.

Upon turning off the engine, it went into a serious dieseling mode. It
even spun backwards just before it finally quit for me (I finally pulled
the choke to kill it). When I checked the oil it appeared there might
have been some bubbles in it, which I think is a sign of over-heat.
After cooling for a bit, checking the level showed it to be right on the
mark, maybe a line width above it.

Do you think running with the battery generator maxed out like it was,
on top of the cutting load and hot sun for an hour would account for it
getting so hot? It wasn't literally that hot out; temp was around 78 F.
The oil doesn't appear burned nor have any smell like it was, but ...
thought I'd see what folks here thought.
Oil was recently changed hours of use wise and still appeared clean.

Anything special I should do now?

Regards & TIA,

Twayne`

"Twayne" wrote in message
...

Motor Overheats. This lawn tractor is charging its battery at a rate of
15Amps constantly (Subject of the referenced post).

The maker of the alternator (generator) can tell you
what its normal output should be.

Then add to that, taking it out into a field and cutting field grass
(wildflowers & grass, etc. abt 2 ft high) at the max recommended rpm,
for an hour.

Two-foot high grass and scrub would seriously overwork most machines
sold as "lawn tractors," say the range 10 to 25 horse power. We may
suppose it takes half the engine output just to move the mower through
long grass (with the operator's weight atop all.)

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)

Motors cool by sucking in air in the center of the flywheel,
and forcing the air over the cylinder head. So, take the
motor cover off, and scrub and clean the engine.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Twayne" wrote in message
...
Hi,

This actually goes along with my previous post about Lawn
Tractor
Battery/Charging issue but experience tells me it's best to
separate
things like this.

Motor Overheats. This lawn tractor is charging its battery
at a rate of
15Amps constantly (Subject of the referenced post).
Therefore I'm
assuming that might be a relatively high load on the motor
to run the
generator at 15Amps. I believe 15A is the max the generator
can provide
since meter full scale is 18A.
Then add to that, taking it out into a field and cutting
field grass
(wildflowers & grass, etc. abt 2 ft high) at the max
recommended rpm,
for an hour.

Upon turning off the engine, it went into a serious
dieseling mode. It
even spun backwards just before it finally quit for me (I
finally pulled
the choke to kill it). When I checked the oil it appeared
there might
have been some bubbles in it, which I think is a sign of
over-heat.
After cooling for a bit, checking the level showed it to be
right on the
mark, maybe a line width above it.

Do you think running with the battery generator maxed out
like it was,
on top of the cutting load and hot sun for an hour would
account for it
getting so hot? It wasn't literally that hot out; temp was
around 78 F.
The oil doesn't appear burned nor have any smell like it
was, but ...
thought I'd see what folks here thought.
Oil was recently changed hours of use wise and still
appeared clean.

Anything special I should do now?

Regards & TIA,

Twayne`

Twayne wrote:
Hi,

This actually goes along with my previous post about Lawn Tractor
Battery/Charging issue but experience tells me it's best to separate
things like this.

Motor Overheats. This lawn tractor is charging its battery at a rate of
15Amps constantly (Subject of the referenced post). Therefore I'm
assuming that might be a relatively high load on the motor to run the
generator at 15Amps. I believe 15A is the max the generator can provide
since meter full scale is 18A.
Then add to that, taking it out into a field and cutting field grass
(wildflowers & grass, etc. abt 2 ft high) at the max recommended rpm,
for an hour.

Upon turning off the engine, it went into a serious dieseling mode. It
even spun backwards just before it finally quit for me (I finally pulled
the choke to kill it). When I checked the oil it appeared there might
have been some bubbles in it, which I think is a sign of over-heat.
After cooling for a bit, checking the level showed it to be right on the
mark, maybe a line width above it.

Do you think running with the battery generator maxed out like it was,
on top of the cutting load and hot sun for an hour would account for it
getting so hot? It wasn't literally that hot out; temp was around 78 F.
The oil doesn't appear burned nor have any smell like it was, but ...
thought I'd see what folks here thought.
Oil was recently changed hours of use wise and still appeared clean.

Anything special I should do now?

Regards & TIA,

Twayne`


Hi,
Don't know about motor over heating. Advancing timing too much can make
engine run hotter. But if battery is fully charged it shouldn't charge
any more. Maybe regulator is acting up? BTW, is it alternator or
generator? They work differently.

On Sep 9, 11:03�am, "Twayne" wrote:
Hi,

This actually goes along with my previous post about Lawn Tractor
Battery/Charging issue but experience tells me it's best to separate
things like this.

Motor Overheats. �This lawn tractor is charging its battery at a rate of
15Amps constantly (Subject of the referenced post). �Therefore I'm
assuming that might be a relatively high load on the motor to run the
generator at 15Amps. �I believe 15A is the max the generator can provide
since meter full scale is 18A.
� �Then add to that, taking it out into a field and cutting field grass
(wildflowers & grass, etc. abt 2 ft high) at the max recommended rpm,
for an hour.

Upon turning off the engine, it went into a serious dieseling mode. �It
even spun backwards just before it finally quit for me (I finally pulled
the choke to kill it). When I checked the oil it appeared there might
have been some bubbles in it, which I think is a sign of over-heat.
After cooling for a bit, checking the level showed it to be right on the
mark, maybe a line width above it.

Do you think running with the battery generator maxed out like it was,
on top of the cutting load and hot sun for an hour would account for it
getting so hot? It wasn't literally that hot out; temp was around 78 F.
The oil doesn't appear burned nor have any smell like it was, but ...
thought I'd see what folks here thought.
� �Oil was recently changed hours of use wise and still appeared clean.

Anything special I should do now?

Regards & TIA,

Twayne`

I think you should trade it in and get a new mower. It has too many
problems for you to deal with. Also, cut your grass more often. I'll
give you $50 for it as is. :-)

Hank

"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message

Motors cool by sucking in air in the center of the flywheel,
and forcing the air over the cylinder head. So, take the
motor cover off, and scrub and clean the engine.

No humidity or dampness problems; screen, everything clean, fins clean,
etc.. I always watch that in case of fire hazards around the engine.
The flywheel is actuall pretty well designed and besides pulling air in
also stays nice and clear.

Twayne`

"Tony Hwang" wrote in message

Twayne wrote:
Hi,

This actually goes along with my previous post about Lawn Tractor
Battery/Charging issue but experience tells me it's best to separate
things like this.

Motor Overheats. This lawn tractor is charging its battery at a
rate of 15Amps constantly (Subject of the referenced post). Therefore
I'm assuming that might be a relatively high load on the
motor to run the generator at 15Amps. I believe 15A is the max the
generator can provide since meter full scale is 18A.
Then add to that, taking it out into a field and cutting field
grass (wildflowers & grass, etc. abt 2 ft high) at the max
recommended rpm, for an hour.

Upon turning off the engine, it went into a serious dieseling mode.
It even spun backwards just before it finally quit for me (I finally
pulled the choke to kill it). When I checked the oil it appeared
there might have been some bubbles in it, which I think is a sign of
over-heat. After cooling for a bit, checking the level showed it to
be right on the mark, maybe a line width above it.

Do you think running with the battery generator maxed out like it
was, on top of the cutting load and hot sun for an hour would
account for it getting so hot? It wasn't literally that hot out;
temp was around 78 F. The oil doesn't appear burned nor have any
smell like it was, but ... thought I'd see what folks here thought.
Oil was recently changed hours of use wise and still appeared
clean. Anything special I should do now?

Regards & TIA,

Twayne`


Hi,
Don't know about motor over heating. Advancing timing too much can
make engine run hotter. But if battery is fully charged it shouldn't
charge any more. Maybe regulator is acting up? BTW, is it alternator
or generator? They work differently.

Alternator, unfortunately. Source is magnets on the motor's shaft
inside the crankcase.

"Hustlin' Hank" wrote in message

On Sep 9, 11:03?am, "Twayne" wrote:
Hi,

This actually goes along with my previous post about Lawn Tractor
Battery/Charging issue but experience tells me it's best to separate
things like this.

Motor Overheats. ?This lawn tractor is charging its battery at a
rate of 15Amps constantly (Subject of the referenced post).
?Therefore I'm assuming that might be a relatively high load on the
motor to run the generator at 15Amps. ?I believe 15A is the max the
generator can provide since meter full scale is 18A.
? ?Then add to that, taking it out into a field and cutting field
grass (wildflowers & grass, etc. abt 2 ft high) at the max
recommended rpm, for an hour.

Upon turning off the engine, it went into a serious dieseling mode.
?It even spun backwards just before it finally quit for me (I
finally pulled the choke to kill it). When I checked the oil it
appeared there might have been some bubbles in it, which I think is
a sign of over-heat. After cooling for a bit, checking the level
showed it to be right on the mark, maybe a line width above it.

Do you think running with the battery generator maxed out like it
was, on top of the cutting load and hot sun for an hour would
account for it getting so hot? It wasn't literally that hot out;
temp was around 78 F. The oil doesn't appear burned nor have any
smell like it was, but ... thought I'd see what folks here thought.
? ?Oil was recently changed hours of use wise and still appeared
clean.

Anything special I should do now?

Regards & TIA,

Twayne`

I think you should trade it in and get a new mower. It has too many
problems for you to deal with. Also, cut your grass more often. I'll
give you $50 for it as is. :-)

Hank

Mmm, I don't THINK so! And if you want the full 5 acres cut more often,
especially when I'm sick for a period of time, well, ... come on over &
bring a 6-pack or three!

Twayne`

On Sep 10, 3:55*pm, "Twayne" wrote:
"Hustlin' Hank" wrote in message







On Sep 9, 11:03?am, "Twayne" wrote:
Hi,

This actually goes along with my previous post about Lawn Tractor
Battery/Charging issue but experience tells me it's best to separate
things like this.

Motor Overheats. ?This lawn tractor is charging its battery at a
rate of 15Amps constantly (Subject of the referenced post).
?Therefore I'm assuming that might be a relatively high load on the
motor to run the generator at 15Amps. ?I believe 15A is the max the
generator can provide since meter full scale is 18A.
? ?Then add to that, taking it out into a field and cutting field
grass (wildflowers & grass, etc. abt 2 ft high) at the max
recommended rpm, for an hour.

Upon turning off the engine, it went into a serious dieseling mode.
?It even spun backwards just before it finally quit for me (I
finally pulled the choke to kill it). When I checked the oil it
appeared there might have been some bubbles in it, which I think is
a sign of over-heat. After cooling for a bit, checking the level
showed it to be right on the mark, maybe a line width above it.

Do you think running with the battery generator maxed out like it
was, on top of the cutting load and hot sun for an hour would
account for it getting so hot? It wasn't literally that hot out;
temp was around 78 F. The oil doesn't appear burned nor have any
smell like it was, but ... thought I'd see what folks here thought.
? ?Oil was recently changed hours of use wise and still appeared
clean.

Anything special I should do now?

Regards & TIA,

Twayne`

I think you should trade it in and get a new mower. It has too many
problems for you to deal with. Also, cut your grass more often. I'll
give you $50 for it as is. :-)

Hank

Mmm, I don't THINK so! *And if you want the full 5 acres cut more often,
especially when I'm sick for a period of time, well, ... come on over &
bring a 6-pack or three!

Twayne`- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

15 amps at say 12 volts = 180 watts.
180 watts is about 180/750 = about one quarter of a horsepower.
Even doubling that to half a horsepower does not sound like a motor
overload.
Is motor over-revving? Forced to work too hard?

On Sep 10, 1:55�pm, "Twayne" wrote:
"Hustlin' Hank" wrote in message







On Sep 9, 11:03?am, "Twayne" wrote:
Hi,

This actually goes along with my previous post about Lawn Tractor
Battery/Charging issue but experience tells me it's best to separate
things like this.

Motor Overheats. ?This lawn tractor is charging its battery at a
rate of 15Amps constantly (Subject of the referenced post).
?Therefore I'm assuming that might be a relatively high load on the
motor to run the generator at 15Amps. ?I believe 15A is the max the
generator can provide since meter full scale is 18A.
? ?Then add to that, taking it out into a field and cutting field
grass (wildflowers & grass, etc. abt 2 ft high) at the max
recommended rpm, for an hour.

Upon turning off the engine, it went into a serious dieseling mode.
?It even spun backwards just before it finally quit for me (I
finally pulled the choke to kill it). When I checked the oil it
appeared there might have been some bubbles in it, which I think is
a sign of over-heat. After cooling for a bit, checking the level
showed it to be right on the mark, maybe a line width above it.

Do you think running with the battery generator maxed out like it
was, on top of the cutting load and hot sun for an hour would
account for it getting so hot? It wasn't literally that hot out;
temp was around 78 F. The oil doesn't appear burned nor have any
smell like it was, but ... thought I'd see what folks here thought.
? ?Oil was recently changed hours of use wise and still appeared
clean.

Anything special I should do now?

Regards & TIA,

Twayne`

I think you should trade it in and get a new mower. It has too many
problems for you to deal with. Also, cut your grass more often. I'll
give you $50 for it as is. :-)

Hank

Mmm, I don't THINK so! �And if you want the full 5 acres cut more often,
especially when I'm sick for a period of time, well, ... come on over &
bring a 6-pack or three!

Twayne`-

I cut 4 acres, so 5 isn't that much more. Anyway, if you are ill and
can't mow it often, you'd be better off hiring it doen when you are
ill. Your mower isn't a bush-hog. It is made for residential service.
That means cutting more often.

Hank ~~~~has commercial mower

Twayne wrote:
Hi,

This actually goes along with my previous post about Lawn Tractor
Battery/Charging issue but experience tells me it's best to separate
things like this.

Motor Overheats. This lawn tractor is charging its battery at a rate of
15Amps constantly (Subject of the referenced post). Therefore I'm
assuming that might be a relatively high load on the motor to run the
generator at 15Amps. I believe 15A is the max the generator can provide
since meter full scale is 18A.
Then add to that, taking it out into a field and cutting field grass
(wildflowers & grass, etc. abt 2 ft high) at the max recommended rpm,
for an hour.

Upon turning off the engine, it went into a serious dieseling mode. It
even spun backwards just before it finally quit for me (I finally pulled
the choke to kill it). When I checked the oil it appeared there might
have been some bubbles in it, which I think is a sign of over-heat.
After cooling for a bit, checking the level showed it to be right on the
mark, maybe a line width above it.

Do you think running with the battery generator maxed out like it was,
on top of the cutting load and hot sun for an hour would account for it
getting so hot? It wasn't literally that hot out; temp was around 78 F.
The oil doesn't appear burned nor have any smell like it was, but ...
thought I'd see what folks here thought.
Oil was recently changed hours of use wise and still appeared clean.

Anything special I should do now?

Regards & TIA,

Twayne`

I always try to let my small engine equipment run at about 1/4 throttle
for a minute or so before shutting it off. That allows the motor to
cool down a bit so the little bit of carbon on the piston isn't still
glowing red when you turn it off. Especially after cutting the high
grass, it was most likely overheated and you could have caused permanant
damage, but maybe not. Anyway, after using it really hard, let it run
1/4 throttle a couple minutes before shutting it off. (and also let it
warm up a bit before putting a heavy load on it)

"stan" wrote in message

On Sep 10, 3:55 pm, "Twayne" wrote:
"Hustlin' Hank" wrote in message







On Sep 9, 11:03?am, "Twayne" wrote:
Hi,

This actually goes along with my previous post about Lawn Tractor
Battery/Charging issue but experience tells me it's best to
separate things like this.

Motor Overheats. ?This lawn tractor is charging its battery at a
rate of 15Amps constantly (Subject of the referenced post).
?Therefore I'm assuming that might be a relatively high load on the
motor to run the generator at 15Amps. ?I believe 15A is the max the
generator can provide since meter full scale is 18A.
? ?Then add to that, taking it out into a field and cutting field
grass (wildflowers & grass, etc. abt 2 ft high) at the max
recommended rpm, for an hour.

Upon turning off the engine, it went into a serious dieseling mode.
?It even spun backwards just before it finally quit for me (I
finally pulled the choke to kill it). When I checked the oil it
appeared there might have been some bubbles in it, which I think is
a sign of over-heat. After cooling for a bit, checking the level
showed it to be right on the mark, maybe a line width above it.

Do you think running with the battery generator maxed out like it
was, on top of the cutting load and hot sun for an hour would
account for it getting so hot? It wasn't literally that hot out;
temp was around 78 F. The oil doesn't appear burned nor have any
smell like it was, but ... thought I'd see what folks here thought.
? ?Oil was recently changed hours of use wise and still appeared
clean.

Anything special I should do now?

Regards & TIA,

Twayne`

I think you should trade it in and get a new mower. It has too many
problems for you to deal with. Also, cut your grass more often. I'll
give you $50 for it as is. :-)

Hank

Mmm, I don't THINK so! And if you want the full 5 acres cut more
often, especially when I'm sick for a period of time, well, ... come
on over & bring a 6-pack or three!

Twayne`- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

15 amps at say 12 volts = 180 watts.
180 watts is about 180/750 = about one quarter of a horsepower.
Even doubling that to half a horsepower does not sound like a motor
overload.
Is motor over-revving? Forced to work too hard?

lol! You sure know how to make an electrical engineer (retired) feel
dumb! Why didn't I think of that? Don't answer that! G

The motor's not over-revving as measured by my calibrated earball anyway
so if it is, it's not much. But it does sound loaded without the blades
(or any other attachment even connected) running.
I did find a spec online for my tractor that said the regulator
output max was 15A. And someone else mentioned that if the rectifiers
were shot, I'm seeing current going in, then curring going out, so it
might read high, but - I don't uderstand that since it's DC where I'm
measuring the voltage, which is schematically adjacent to the
rectifiers. But it might explain 29V ac measurement.

I've determined the regulator/rectifier is shot by comparing things to
another working tractor with the same setup except it's a single
cynlinder 17 HP. I tried to measure on into the stator but it's not
possible without some real disassembly, so I'm hoping just replacing the
regulator/rectifier will do the job. $71 with $13 of that being S&H
from Sears and $9 tax! What a ripoff! We're very rural here.
The other tractor shows everything I expected to see on mine so it's
at least verification that I'm looking at SOME of the right things.
Right now I'm letting it set for a week until the part arrives, to see
if the battery is recovered or shot. So far it seems to be holding its
charge just fine.

Thanks,

Twayne

"Tony" wrote in message

Twayne wrote:
Hi,

This actually goes along with my previous post about Lawn Tractor
Battery/Charging issue but experience tells me it's best to separate
things like this.

Motor Overheats. This lawn tractor is charging its battery at a
rate of 15Amps constantly (Subject of the referenced post). Therefore
I'm assuming that might be a relatively high load on the
motor to run the generator at 15Amps. I believe 15A is the max the
generator can provide since meter full scale is 18A.
Then add to that, taking it out into a field and cutting field
grass (wildflowers & grass, etc. abt 2 ft high) at the max
recommended rpm, for an hour.

Upon turning off the engine, it went into a serious dieseling mode.
It even spun backwards just before it finally quit for me (I finally
pulled the choke to kill it). When I checked the oil it appeared
there might have been some bubbles in it, which I think is a sign of
over-heat. After cooling for a bit, checking the level showed it to
be right on the mark, maybe a line width above it.

Do you think running with the battery generator maxed out like it
was, on top of the cutting load and hot sun for an hour would
account for it getting so hot? It wasn't literally that hot out;
temp was around 78 F. The oil doesn't appear burned nor have any
smell like it was, but ... thought I'd see what folks here thought.
Oil was recently changed hours of use wise and still appeared
clean. Anything special I should do now?

Regards & TIA,

Twayne`

I always try to let my small engine equipment run at about 1/4
throttle for a minute or so before shutting it off. That allows the
motor to cool down a bit so the little bit of carbon on the piston
isn't still glowing red when you turn it off. Especially after
cutting the high grass, it was most likely overheated and you could
have caused permanant damage, but maybe not. Anyway, after using it
really hard, let it run 1/4 throttle a couple minutes before shutting
it off. (and also let it warm up a bit before putting a heavy load
on it)

Good advice. I -think- I always do that, but ... famous last words, you
know?

Twayne`