Starter generator voltage regulator

[scotty 252]

Hi im checking if i can put a different voltage regulator on a k301 with a starter generator instead of the box kind. 

[Gasaholic 238]

Nah, it would be complicated, as you'd have to jury rig several pieces to mimic the functionality of the box type. You'd need the switching capability to disconnect the output when battery hits full charge, you'd need the switching capability to energize the field when charging is needed.. Really, the box type regulator is the best and pretty much only reliable solution. Without being able to energize the field, you'd get no output generated by the generator, and then when battery hits full charge you need to disconnect that and de-energize the field or the battery will overcharge and the generator will burn out. Bear in mind it IS a generator... but it is also a starter motor.  However I have seen Automotive alternators adapted to the generator , but then they won't have the capability to start the engine. 

 

What's your aversion to the box type regulator? they're really rather simple, and still readily available (tractor supply, NAPA, and the like still carry them.)  If it is the cost, well it is still far cheaper than a new starter-generator (or getting the old one rewound/repaired) which likely would end up having to do if an attempt was made to jury rig a cheaper alternative (and then the cost of the pieces you'd need to do the job and have it be reliable, would probably cost just as much anyway) 

[wallfish 17,193]

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/tisco-voltage-regulator-vr1820

[scotty 252]

Yeah it was mostly the cost most of them i saw were over 100 thanks for the tsc link.

[ebinmaine 69,710]

43 minutes ago, scotty said:

Yeah it was mostly the cost most of them i saw were over 100 thanks for the tsc link.

Might not hurt to check with Lincoln at A to Z Tractor in PA for a good used one....? 

[ri702bill 8,738]

Once installed, do check your voltage at the battery at half to full throttle. It should be 13.8 to 14 volts. There was a post a while back how to adjust the output.

[pfrederi 18,180]

Amazon anywhere from $25 and up DB Electric about $35....all claim one year guarantee.  I have had a couple of cheapies that failed fairly quickly.  The return hassle is not worth it. I pay more about $70 from my local starter generator guy. (Who admits that during COVID he had a hard time getting good ones) but if his fail I just drive over and he will replace it...

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,176]

This old Kohler service manual covers the generator and regulators.

 

[Handy Don 13,084]

After installing a new one and making sure the wiring is correct, pop off the top and clean the two sets of contact points drawing a clean piece of paper through them. Many of these regulators are delivered with protective coatings on the contacts that must be removed for the unit to work properly.

 

One set of points will be closed already and press down on the paper naturally. For the other one, simply gently press the spring-loaded points closed against the cleaning paper.

 

Edited August 15, 2023 by Handy Don

[Mike'sHorseBarn 3,055]

I had this thread a while back and it has helped me tremendously! 

 

 

 

I haven't had much luck with the cheap regulators, they seem to be hit or miss. I get ones from my local auto parts store that are about $100 and they work every single time and charge they way they should.