tractor. 3 #1 Posted 13 hours ago Hey yall. So I have a wheel horse b80 with a kohler k181s with a starter generator. (the engine was swapped at some point by the previous owner) the engine runs great, it starts up good, but its not charging, I have it all hooked up right, but its not charging enough to matter. I was just wondering do any of you know any problems I could be having, and how to go about fixing them. Thank you all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,478 #2 Posted 12 hours ago This older Kohler service manual has a section on the starter/generator Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 12,879 #3 Posted 6 hours ago 5 hours ago, gwest_ca said: This older Kohler service manual The newer (cost reduced) regulators no longer have the nice screw adjustments. Instead, you have to bend the spring mounting tab to lengthen or shorten the springs to adjust to suit. A tedious process as a little is usually too much! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 47,968 #4 Posted 5 hours ago Make sure the short wire underneath the regulator that goes to the gen is broken. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sqrlgtr 3,766 #5 Posted 4 hours ago 1 hour ago, squonk said: Make sure the short wire underneath the regulator that goes to the gen is broken. pretty sure @squonk means not broken. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adsm08 5,045 #6 Posted 3 hours ago First things first, and this thread seems to be skipping around. Diagnose, don't load the parts cannon. 1) Check the wire @squonk mentioned. 2) Take a base-line voltage measurement at the battery, with the engine off and running. It should be near 13.5 engine running, it should not be less than the static voltage reading. 3) While running, measure voltage with the F terminal of the generator grounded. If the generator is working voltage should shoot up, and the engine should bog a bit. That indicates a regulator issue. 3A) If that DOES NOT happen, you have a generator issue. If the test indicates a regulator issue remove the cover from the regulator and inspect for broken/burnt wires and carbon build up on contacts. It can also be informative to start the engine, with the cover off, in the dark, and look for arcing where it shouldn't be. Since the regulator control voltage by dithering a set of contacts to control field coil ground carbon buildup on the contacts can negatively impact charging performance. The normal arcing that happens in this process can also wear the contacts, like a spark plug or set of points, making adjustments needed. Do NOT make adjustments with the engine running. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
