Charging issue - 72" 31hp Kawasaki

[PipeHitter]

I've searched a little and see that there was a flywheel issue with these motors. I'm wondering if that is what I'm dealing with here.

My mower:
Model# 928911A
Engine# FX850V-AS08
About 100hrs.

Battery started acting tired all the time. Replaced as I assumed just old. Replacement battery started dragging as well. Checked charging system and here is what I get:

battery posts=12.40 @ idle
battery posts=12.75 @ full throttle
battery posts=12.25 @ idle with PTO engaged
battery posts=12.55 @ full throttle with PTO engaged

stator leads=27.00 @ full throttle

regulator dc prong=same as battery posts

Obviously the above voltage at the battery posts is an issue. Kawasaki service manual says 26v at the stator prongs is within minimum spec. So we are talking one volt here, not to mention a different meter might read less. Also, given from what I read, the original flywheel was only an issue in my particular mower configuration. So the 26v minimum stated in the manual might not take my mower into consideration. I replaced the regulator with a new one just to be sure, same voltage readings as above.

So what do we think? Replace flywheel? If so, anyone have the most current part#?

Original was: 21193-7035
Found two updated part numbers, they may supersede to each other but I would like to be sure:21193-0706 or 21193-7049

I bought the mower new around Aug of 09. Dealer told me I only had two yr warranty, that sound right? Really thought it was longer.

Is Kawasaki only updating these under warranty, or was it a recall/campaign?

Thanks for reading and suggestions.

[Sharpcut 1]

Take the leads off the voltage regulator, see what AC voltage is. Bet it jumps up to around 35 VAC. Also,unhook 12v wire at rectifier and run a jumper back to the battery temporarily. Let us know what happens. I think you'll find the 12v lead post on your rectifier is slightly black. The regulators are starting to short. If it discharged the battery enough times, you mat also need to replace it. If your #'s go up, try another battery. When properly working on the 850, you should see about 13.9-14.1 volts at full throttle.

[Mickhippy]

The fly wheel problem was from around late 08 or early 09 (can't remember exactly) but I asked my dealer to check it before I picked mine up new. It was one of the faulty motors, there were on a heap of engines, not just your config.
Thing is, how long have you had the issue? How old is the machine?
I would assume that with 100 hrs its newer than 08/09 so that particular fault would of made itself know before now.
That said, may of been made on a Friday!

Be sure to let us know what it was when you find the fix.

[PipeHitter]

Sharpcut 1: stator leads=27.00VAC @ full throttle. Tried new regulator with all the same results I posted. Have not tried dc-to-battery jumper yet, but not sure how that can have any effect if I'm never getting high enough voltage from the stator to start with.

Mickhippy: Mower was purchased new Aug of 09. As per the fault showing earlier, I'm a battery tender freak. I put every thing I have that uses a battery on a tender when I'm done with it. I didn't realize what was going on until I left the mower off of a tender for a few weeks. Even now this problem isn't too much of an inconvenience as I just top off the battery with a tender after every mow.

Thanks for the replies guys.

Didn't we used to have a Hustler rep that frequented this forum?

[hustlermidwest]

Hustler is still here. I have been reviewing the threads prior to posting them. PJ has moved on and Lawnsite has fallen to me. I know Sharpcut personally and he knows his way around a toolbox. He has had recent issues with the charging system and I agreed with what he was writing. Sometimes too many cooks in the kitchen will spoil the meal.

Brian O

[PipeHitter]

ok, I'm gathering by your username you are a hustler rep?

If so, could you clarify my original length of warranty on the unit?

Could you provide me with the most current stator part#?

Thanks.

[hustlermidwest]

In order to find your length of warranty I'll need your Serial number of the machine. This number tells me the history of the machine from the day it was made, who sold it to who etc.

Brian O