1978 wheel horse will not charge

[02sierra 0]

i have a 1978 wheelhorse not sure of model (new to this) it has a 12 horse kohler cast iron. runs good until i pull the jumper pack off then it dies. please tell me where to start thanks. id really like to get this old tractor running.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,169]

Is the battery any good? Did you check all wire connections?

Here's the Kohler service manual: TP-2379 LINK

Electrical system is section 8.

[02sierra 0]

i messed with some wires coming off the key ill look into that, what charges the battery? and where is this mechanism located

[rmaynard 16,700]

Here's the wiring diagram for a 1978 C-121. It may offer you some help.

[02sierra 0]

hey thanks i still dont know what charges the batery though

[rmaynard 16,700]

A simple explanation follows:

Your engine has an alternator and a rectifier. It consists of a stator behind the flywheel. Two wires from the stator exit the engine in the vicinity of the starter. When the engine is running at about 3400 to 3600 RPM, approx. 30 volts AC should be present between those two wires. They connect to the AC lugs on the regulator/rectifier. The third lug is the output. With the regulator/rectifier properly grounded, approximately 14.5 volts DC should exit that lug. It connects through the ignition switch, and the ammeter to the (+) side of the battery to charge it when running.

[02sierra 0]

sorry for being dumb but what is this

[02sierra 0]

this here sorry/Users/debgarcia/Desktop/IMAG0053.jpg

[02sierra 0]

ok cant figure out how to post pics but its a white plastic rectangle with 3 wires coming of it its on the top of the back of the engine and it says japan on it. im wondering what it is and if it could cause charging issues thanks

[rmaynard 16,700]

You have to use a picture hosting service such as Photobucket to post images.

If you have something that says Japan on it, then it is probably an after-market device of some type.

Try to set up a Photobucket account and try posting some pictures of the device.

Check this thread for info on picture posting.

http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?showtopic=1071

[02sierra 0]

[shorts 182]

looks like a ballast resistor used to lower the voltage to the ignition points to keepm them from burning up while running, should be 12.5 volts in and about 8 volts out. it is not a part of the charging system. most ignition coils have an internal resister and you see the old style external resister unless someone has replaced/installed coil without an internal resister

[02sierra 0]

how do i test a regulator rectifier