If you put a multimeter across the battery terminals with the engine running what is the DC voltage output? If it's 12.6v DC or higher then the battery is charging. Here is a regulator and stator check - http://www.lawnsite.com/archive/index.php/t-188754.html

 

If you put a multimeter across the battery terminals with the engine running what is the DC voltage output? If it's 13 to 14v DC then the battery is charging.

I will have to check that, just starting the trouble shooting. Thanks.

 

No shotgun maintenance allowed here! Let's charge and load test that battery, then measure the output of the charging system (at full throttle) as Harry suggests.

It sounds to me as if your idle speed is a little low, possibly due to the rough running at idle.

 

Battery is a brand new Deere strong box :fing32: It still runs the same with the new battery.

 

Check all your Ground connections also. :fing32:

 

Yep, he better go ahead and check all his wiring before that guy who is such a pain in the rear about clean electrical connections reads this thread.

 

I had a similar issue last fall. The battery light stayed on, and the starter seemed to engage less and less often.

Well.. after a while, with things getting worse, the ignition switch went up in smoke - literally. Almost started a fire.

Take D-Doggs advice, clean the connector to the voltage reg AND the ignition switch.

FWIW

 

I did some more checking on the 318 and the surging seems to be a fuel related issue. I opened the hood and looked at the fuel filer when the tractor is running. The fuel is barley dripping into the filler. I thought the filer should be completly full of gas when it is running?? Am I wrong?? I put a new fuel pump on this past fall. I had checked the fuel lines this past fall as well and they seemed good going into the tank. I also noticed that when it is surging the throttle linkage is moving as well. When I out my finger on it to hold it steady the engine smooths out.

 

Fuel filter will not be completely full that I ever saw.:trink40:

 

OK, I thought I read that somewhere, I think I have the surging narrowed down to the throttle linkage.

 

Not familiar with that linkage, but if there is a governor spring on it, it may be worn out or it may need to be moved to another hole to increase tension.

 

When you replaced the fuel pumpand checked the lines.
Did you replace the hose that runs the pump?
It goes from the pump to the crankcase on the motor.
If they rot or get a pinhole they will cause surging.