LX176 Charging Question

[pontiac787]

I recently re-powered my LX176 with a new 17.5 HP Briggs 31C707. When I turned the key I immediately noticed that the battery light did not come on. With the original engine, the light would come on until the engine started then it would go off. With the new engine the light never comes on. I've used the new engine for about 2 1/2 hours. When I tried to start the tractor yesterday the battery was dead. I charged the battery overnight. When I checked the voltage at the battery I get 12.6 volts whether the engine is running or not. If I check the voltage at the red wire coming from under the fly wheel with it disconnected from the wiring harness and the engine running I get 13.5-14 volts. When I plug the connector back in the voltage drops considerably. Any thoughts what could be causing this? The engine I bought came with the connectors that plug into the JD wiring harness so I didn't have to splice anything. The only wire that I couldn't remember taking off was a black wire with a ring terminal on the left side of the engine. I ran this wire to ground. The engine runs fine, the PTO engages, headlights work, etc. The only issue is the charging. Any thoughts as to what could be causing the engine not to charge? I have seen posts saying that the connections could be bad so I will check those tomorrow.

Thanks.

 

[BBO]

See if this helps...
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-lawn-garden/289927-jd-lx-176-charging-problem.html

 

[pontiac787]

Found the issue. The power lead that goes from the positive side of the battery to the wiring harness was severely corroded. I put a new ring terminal on that wire and a new lug on the battery. All seems to be working as it should now. The battery light still isn't working. Oh well. I can live with that.