I have a Kohler 24HP mounted in a Craftsman mower. Model 917.273201. The Kohler runs great with 1200 hrs. on the clock which appears to work. The motor stopped charging the battery. If the magnets came loose from the flywheel would that cause the engine to vibrate? Mine does not vibrate so what else should I be looking at?
- Thread starter dzc3
- Start date
Find the engine model number and go to www.kohlerengines.com and you can view and download the service manual for free.
First thing it will tell you is to check for AC voltage coming from the stator, probably in the 24 to 36 Volts range.
If that AC voltage is present, the flywheel magnets and stator coils should be OK, and it would point to a problem with the rectifier/regulator, or a wiring issue between the stator and rectifier/regulator and battery.
First thing it will tell you is to check for AC voltage coming from the stator, probably in the 24 to 36 Volts range.
If that AC voltage is present, the flywheel magnets and stator coils should be OK, and it would point to a problem with the rectifier/regulator, or a wiring issue between the stator and rectifier/regulator and battery.
Mule Meat
Well-known Member
Do a simple quick test first before you tear into the engine.
Start the engine.
Touch a piece of wire to one of the screws holding the Rectifier to the engine.
Ground the other end to the engine or frame. DO NOT ground it to the battery.
If the Amp meter jumps to full "pos" side or a volt meter reads anywhere between 13.6 and 14.2 volts with the wire attached. You have found the problem.
The rectifier has lost "communication" with the alternator through one or the others internal ground.
To repair it. Just run a 10 or 12 ga wire from the rectifier screw to a good ground. If the battery is dead or low. The Amp meter will read full "pos" until it is fully charged and balanced.
Common problem with older Kohler Command and Courage engines. So common in fact the Kohler started placing a heavy ground strap on the rectifiers to ground them and prevent the problem.
Start the engine.
Touch a piece of wire to one of the screws holding the Rectifier to the engine.
Ground the other end to the engine or frame. DO NOT ground it to the battery.
If the Amp meter jumps to full "pos" side or a volt meter reads anywhere between 13.6 and 14.2 volts with the wire attached. You have found the problem.
The rectifier has lost "communication" with the alternator through one or the others internal ground.
To repair it. Just run a 10 or 12 ga wire from the rectifier screw to a good ground. If the battery is dead or low. The Amp meter will read full "pos" until it is fully charged and balanced.
Common problem with older Kohler Command and Courage engines. So common in fact the Kohler started placing a heavy ground strap on the rectifiers to ground them and prevent the problem.
Ok so I started it this morning and ammeter shows that it is charging!?! When I engage the electric clutch it showed a slight discharge. Since I was trying to beat the rain I just went ahead and cut the grass. Ammeter started slowing either a slight charge or neutral. Shut electric clutch off and ammeter showed it was charging. So I am guessing either in switch, wires leading to electric clutch or the clutch. What do you think is a good place to start?
Mule Meat
Well-known Member
Read my post above.
The Rectifier and Alternator are not "communicating" when the machine needs more amprege such as engaging the PTO.
Ground the rectifier to the frame or engine and you could save yourself a wad of cash and hassles replacing parts that do not need replacing.
The Rectifier and Alternator are not "communicating" when the machine needs more amprege such as engaging the PTO.
Ground the rectifier to the frame or engine and you could save yourself a wad of cash and hassles replacing parts that do not need replacing.
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