Fellow tractor fans, I don't mean this as a negative statement or question. Wouldn't be better to included type of tractor or equipment, type of motor, age and so on? I have experience with electrical equipment but in this case didn't know what a LX 279 is or if we were considering a starter/generator or alternator. Please don't take the in the wrong text but I see people all the time asking for pictures, what type of motor etc. I think a good bit of the time we need to trouble shoot a problem before replacing parts.

This group impressed me with really being interested in helping and learning, that why I enjoy logging in and read the posts.

Pudycatz this was something I have noticed many times and is not meant to be criticism toward you or anyone else.

 

check the battery connection both + and -. Also have the battery checked for a dead cell. New batteries go bad sometimes.

 

. Wouldn't be better to included type of tractor or equipment, type of motor, age and so on

1998 J.D. LX 279 17 HP Kawasaki engine. No hour meter.

 

My question is what is the battery voltage (not running) and the voltage (when running)

 

My question is what is the battery voltage (not running) and the voltage (when running)

I agree you can check the engine alternator with a volt meter at battery with engine running

 

I checked voltage. 12.5 not running, after starting 12.3 and with PTO engaged 11.5

 

Sounds like the regulator is kaput.

 

Had battery checked, no dead cell. I guess i'll bite the bullet and invest in a voltage regulator.