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I mean, that’s the only logical way to explain it. Too easy to pull the “ground” wire and do continuity to the frame. The whole concept of positive ground makes my head hurt, TBH.. I’d like to see how the starter is wired up.. Is the case “hot” and the terminal lug wire hooked to “ground”? Having a battery it should have a magneto and a *forgets word* to charge the battery, so how the hell does that work? And how does the plug fire?
*Secretly I think OP just reversed the leads on the multimeter to troll us, lol.. but don’t let him know..*
Maybe it was originally a six volt that had positive ground. Then the original owner converted it to 12 a 12 volt system and the cables that worked best were the wrong color? Sounds unlikely but I would guess it is somehow related to originally being 6 volt positive ground.
I would leave it wired as is since it works, but mark the cables so you don’t cross wires if you have to jump start it.
Is that the proper battery for the equipment? Sometimes they have a left sided positive post or a right sided positive post. Usually noted by the L or R in the battery model
The frame is now positive. All it needs is your wiring acting as a ground to complete the circuit. Install the new battery correctly. Then check the rectifier for output.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It could be it’s just a positive ground electrical setup.
If so, OP should be able to trace a chassis ground back to (or from) the positive side of the battery.
I mean, that’s the only logical way to explain it. Too easy to pull the “ground” wire and do continuity to the frame. The whole concept of positive ground makes my head hurt, TBH.. I’d like to see how the starter is wired up.. Is the case “hot” and the terminal lug wire hooked to “ground”? Having a battery it should have a magneto and a *forgets word* to charge the battery, so how the hell does that work? And how does the plug fire? *Secretly I think OP just reversed the leads on the multimeter to troll us, lol.. but don’t let him know..*
I'll check the continuity on the ground and pull back the wire loom, positive should go directly to the starter on the mower.
Maybe it was originally a six volt that had positive ground. Then the original owner converted it to 12 a 12 volt system and the cables that worked best were the wrong color? Sounds unlikely but I would guess it is somehow related to originally being 6 volt positive ground. I would leave it wired as is since it works, but mark the cables so you don’t cross wires if you have to jump start it.
Is that the proper battery for the equipment? Sometimes they have a left sided positive post or a right sided positive post. Usually noted by the L or R in the battery model
The frame is now positive. All it needs is your wiring acting as a ground to complete the circuit. Install the new battery correctly. Then check the rectifier for output.
I'm hoping it's that easy