Do you know how to test charging system on Kohler engine? A resistance test using a multimeter is the best-recommended way. However, there are some other ways that folks have tried and so suggest.
Well, the small-engine mowers or trucks get the electrical energy from the charging system. When the charging system does not function properly, you have to deal with many difficulties.
Hence, you should know the testing procedure of your charging system to identify the problem with your charging system. It will help you to take action to solve the problem.
Here we will present 5 easy and effective methods of testing the charging system on the Kohler engine. Additionally, we will provide some special tips and tricks from our experts’ experience.
How To Test Charging System On Kohler Engine
We must learn the testing changing system process because charging system issues are pervasive as well as irritating. Here, we will show you the best 5 methods of testing a Kohler charging system.
- Resistance Test
- Voltage Drop Test- Ground Circuit
- Voltage Drop Test- Positive Circuit
- Rectifier Regulator Output Test
- Stator Output Testing
Now, we will describe the methods one by one. So, pay attention if you want to learn appropriately.
Method 1: Resistance Test
This test is a common method to test the charging system on Kohler engines. But a single resistance test can not give an accurate result. You must do another test with the resistance test.
Step 1: Multimeter Setting
Take a multimeter and set the multimeter on ohms. You will see the “ohms” word on the screen of the multimeter. Then you can be sure that the multimeter setting is okay.
Step 2: Measuring Voltage
To do this, turn off the engine and unplug the connector from the rectifier regulator. After that check the resistance.
Step 3: Checking The Range
The normal range is 100 to 200 milliohms (0.1 to 0.2 ohms). If the voltage is more or less than 0.1 to 0.2 ohms, then your charging system has some problems. You need to repair it.
You can try this Resistance Test for the purpose of how to test a small engine charging system.
Method 2: Voltage Drop Test- Ground Circuit
This test is better than the resistance test because it is done in a live circuit. A single voltage drop test is enough for testing the charging system.
Step 1: Multimeter Setting
Take a multimeter, then set the multimeter to volts DC. You will see the “volt DC” on the multimeter.
Step 2: Measuring Voltage
In this procedure, you do not need to turn off the engine. Place the red probe on the rectifier regulator body with the running engine. Then place the black probe on the negative battery post. And check the voltage.
Step 3: Checking The Range
Less than 500 Millivolt or 0.5 Volt is normal. But more than 0.5 volt means excess voltage drop in the charging system ground circuit.
Note: It is caused by faulty cable or poor connection, and it can easily be repaired or replaced.
Method 3: Voltage Drop Test-Positive Circuit
It is also a voltage drop test, and the procedure is quite similar to the voltage drop test- ground circuit. But it is done with a positive circuit.
Step 1: Multimeter Setting
Take a multimeter, then set the multimeter to volts DC as you did at the time of the ground circuit test.
Step 2: Measuring Voltage
At this method, the engine will turn on. Place the black probe on the rectifier regulator body and the red probe on the positive battery post. Then measure the voltage.
Step 3: Checking The Range
The range is the same as the ground circuit test. Less than 0.5 Volt is normal. Excess of 0.5 volt indicates excess voltage drop in the charging system ground circuit.
Method 4: Rectifier Regulator Output Test
This is also a significant process to test the charging system on Kohler Engine. The procedure includes;
Step 1: Multimeter Setting
Set the multimeter to DC volt as you did it before at the time of the voltage drop test.
Step 2: Measuring Voltage
Turn off the engine and test battery voltage with a voltage measuring tool. If 12.4 volts or less charge the battery with a Kohler charging diode and retest. Or if 12.4 volts or more, you have to continue the testing.
Also Read: Kohler Starter Solenoid Wiring Diagram & More!
Start the engine at high speed (3000RPM) with no load. Run the engine with the speed for one minute, and measure the voltage.
Step 3: Checking The Range
13-15 volts is normal. But 15.5 or more volt means the charger is overcharging. You need to replace the rectifier regulator.
If the voltage remains 12.5 volt or less, the charging system is not charging. Continue stator testing.
Method 5: Stator Output Testing
When you are sure that the rectifier regulator output test is failed with your charging system. Then you have to continue stator output testing to check the charging system’s malfunctioning level.
Step 1: Multimeter Setting
Set multimeter to Volts AC. You will see “AC Volt” on the screen of the multimeter.
Step 2: Measuring Voltage
Do not need to turn off the engine. In fact you must run the engine to measure stator voltage. Place probes on the white stator lead.
You can unplug the connector to do the task. You also can do it without disconnecting.
Step 3: Checking The Range
13 Volt AC or more is the normal range. It means the charging system is functioning properly. Then run the engine on 3600 RPM then measure the voltage. 50 volt AC is normal after running the engine at high speed.
If the voltage is less than 13 Volts AC, it indicates the failure of the stator. Then you need to test the Resistance Test to confirm the condition.
These 5 methods you can apply to know how to check charging system on Kohler engine. The efficiency rate of these methods is very high.
Cautions
- Put on safety glasses and gloves when you are working with a battery.
- Before any operation, firstly, visually inspect the condition. It will help you to operate properly.
- To test the charging system, always make sure that your battery is fully charged.
This Video Will Help You Too!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is the voltage regulator located on the Kohler engine?
The voltage regulator is generally mounted in the alternator case of the Kohler engine. You can access it easily from the outside.
What charges the battery on a Kohler Engine?
The battery charges on a Kohler Engine with a flywheel magnet system which generates electricity.
How do you test a Kohler Regulator Rectifier?
To test the Kohler Regulator Rectifier take a multimeter and set it to DC Volt, turn on the engine, and measure the voltage. If the voltage is between 13 to 15, the regulator rectifier is fine. If the voltage is under 12.5 or more than 15 then it indicates your charging system is not charging or overcharging.
Conclusion
After reading the article, you know 5 best and expert suggested methods on how to test charging system on Kohler engine. Now you can effortlessly determine whether your Kohler engine’s charging system functions well or not. The tips will help you to do your task easily and effectively. Stay with us for more solutions to your daily problems.
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Enamored with the world of golf Jack pursued a degree in Golf Course Management at THE Ohio State University. This career path allowed him to work on some of the highest profile golf courses in the country! Â Due to the pandemic, Jack began Inside The Yard as a side hustle that quickly became his main hustle. Since starting the company, Jack has relocated to a homestead in Central Arkansas where he and his wife raise cattle and two little girls.