Kohler command charging system help/advice?

11 years ago

I have a 2002 JD LT160 with 16hp Kohler Command CV460 and 460 hours. I have found that it is charging at only 13.02 volts into a good battery that is well below fully charged. Obviously this results in a partly charged battery that needs to be jump started a week later. Once jumped, it is fine for the rest of the day, charging enough to run the mower but not enough to recharge the battery. I would expect the charging rate to be closer to 14 volts based on car experience, but I know nothing about the charging systems of these engines or how to diagnose, access, repair. If someone can lead me to sources, or add some advice, I would be very grateful.

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Comments (6)

rexlex
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
would have the battery load tested to verify "good", would disasm all start circuit connections from batt to starter incl chassis ground points and clean to bright metal, would get engine model/type data off engine ID plate and go to the kohler engine website to d/l a service manual for that CV460 engine for addtl info on charging circuits. good luck
tomplum
11 years ago
Your LT does not have a large charging system as it is not running an electric clutch. Sounds like a draw test is in order as well.
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mbsl98
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks guys, I did download the service manual and now know much more about at least the basic layout of charging circuit. Even without electric clutch, I do have headlights and it looks to me that I have the 15 amp charge system, not the 3 amp plus lights on separate system. There is a rectifier/regulator, etc. Sound right?

Assuming the 15 amp system, what should the charging voltage be at the battery, at full throttle? The manual left me a bit confused, with different numbers that I am probably misreading. It seems to suggest that anything over 13.0 is within spec, and I just exceed that.

If it is actually charging, but at a lower rate than spec, does that point to something typical? Seems to say the stator must still be OK? If so, likely a regulator failing? Would a couple of loose magnets on flywheel give lower output? I have gone through connections with no change.

Sorry to sound so clueless.
rexlex
11 years ago
if engine is not running and ign is on and lite switch is in, you have headlight power from battery. If engine must be running for headlights to work, you have the separate a/c circuit.
You still do not say if that battery was successfully LOAD tested..?
mbsl98
Original Author
11 years ago
I do have lights without engine running, which is why I think I have the 15 amp regulated system. Battery checks OK. Back to my last questions: normal charge rate? Causes of positive but reduced charge rate?
rexlex
11 years ago
the kohler service manual should provide the acceptable charging voltage output range for that engine. But, you must have a known good load tested battery. OTW, yer just pushing a screwdriver into a pile of mush trying to determine if it's done imho.. sorry.