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The stator on a riding mower is located on top of the engine below the flywheel.

As the flywheel turns over the top of the stator, electricity is created and sent back to the battery to keep it charged sufficiently.

For instance, if you have a lawn mower that runs on a 12-volt electrical system, the stator should be able to generate more than 12 volts to keep it running.

This task will be a quick one if you own a voltmeter and you know how to make use of it.

Testing your lawn mower stator should take twenty minutes to complete.

Simple Steps: How to Test a Lawn Mower Stator on Riding Mowers

Contents show

Step 1

Make sure that you park the riding mower on level ground and set the parking brake. You can now turn the ignition key to the OFF position. To access the engine, you have to raise the hood of the riding mower.

Step 2

Use a 3/8-inch wrench to remove the engine shroud from the top of the engine and locate the stator wire under the flywheel.

Disconnect the wire from the main wire harness and turn the voltmeter on. After that, set it to AC volts.

Step 3

Attach the red test lead from the voltmeter to either pin in the stator connector. You should also attach the black lead from the voltmeter to the other pin in the stator connector.

Start the engine and advance the throttle to the FAST position.

Step 4

Ensure that you inspect the output. The output should always be at least 30 volts.

The owner’s manual can also guide you through the required output of your stator.

The stator needs to be replaced if its tested output is below 30 volts.

Also Read: How Many Hours on a Riding Lawnmower is a Lot?

What Does a Stator Do on a Lawn Mower?

A stator helps to keep the battery of the mower charged. The stator on a riding lawn mower is located on top of the engine below the flywheel.

As the flywheel turns over the top of the stator, electricity is created and sent back to the battery to keep it charged sufficiently.

How Do I Know If My Stator is Bad?

For you to know if it is bad, you will have to insert each probe into a stator socket. It should read between 0.2-0.5 ohms.

If it has a higher resistance or it shows an open circuit with the infinity reading, then the stator is bad and it demands that you replace it. The stator is good if all these tests produce positive results.

What Causes a Lawn Mower Stator to Go Bad?

The stator of your mower can be bad due to heat or if you overwork the stator.

Charging a bad battery can cause the stator to work much harder, producing amperage that the battery will take.

Once the amperage gets very high, the coating melts the coil and creates further problems for the stator.

What Causes Stator Failure?

The stator can fail because of degradation. Furthermore, it might arise due to the aging of its insulation through external materials and occurrences that are introduced into its system.

Can a Stator be Repaired?

Yes, a stator can be repaired. This involves unwinding, cleaning of its original stator core and rewinding it with your hands or machine.

Check the coil heads for burned or damaged wires, and cut out the protective rubber coating from damaged coils.

How Do You Replace a Stator?

Replacing it requires a socket set and some heat-resistant gasket repair silicone.
Make sure that the engine is cool.
Remove the plastic fairings (if applicable).
Locate the gasket cover and unplug the electrical connection.