No charging

[Peter in NH 10]

Greetings-- the Kohler engine in my new-to-me 314-8 is not charging the battery. I installed a new battery but the voltmeter (confirmed by a voltmeter across the battery terminals) shows 12.3v when engine is running. How do I troubleshoot this? How can I get an engine wiring diagram? This tractor was "run hard and put away wet" and I've had many issues so far. Hopefully I'm getting close to a reliable machine.

Thanks for your help!

[Maxwell-8 4,275]

Any blown fuses?

What year is it? does it have a zillion lights on the dash?

If so this should be your wiring: 

I would first check that. If no faults are found. You probably will have to take off the flywheel.

Edited June 5, 2021 by Maxwell-8

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,043]

1999 was the first year for NMIR module.

Alternator output goes through a 25 amp fuse to get to the ignition switch.

If all else fails follow the service manual to check the stator and regulator

 

[The Tuul Crib 7,336]

T😎

 l would clean and inspect 

all connections first!

 

[953 nut 55,229]

It would be helpful to know the year/model number because not all Wheel Horses are wired the same.

If your engine is the Kohler Magnum series there is a small voltage regulator/rectifier attached to the engine cooling sheet metal above the flywheel. There you will find a flat three wire terminal, with the key in the ON position you should have full battery voltage (12 volts DC) on the center terminal. If that is not the case then take a look at the wiring from the engine to tractor and the fuse, if so equipped (not all Wheel Horses have the fuse in the charging wire). From the fuse the wire continues on to the "R" terminal of your ignition switch. Your voltage regulator/rectifier will not work without a connection to the battery.

If you have battery voltage to the center terminal then switch your meter to AC Volts, start the engine and run it at above half throttle. You should read AC Voltage of 30 to 36 volts between the two outer terminals of the voltage regulator and DC voltage of about 14 on the center terminal. If the AC voltage is good but the DC voltage is not then the regulator/rectifier is the problem.

[Peter in NH 10]

Thanks to all for your advice! I think my 314-8 is a '99. Here's what's on the ID sticker on the motor:

Family-- SKH398U1G2RA

Model No.  CH14S

Spec No. 1838

Serial No. 2907608791

[peter lena 8,627]

@peter in NH , agree with others on total wiring / connection set up , pay detail attention to the rectifier connection / mounting site , I  added an additional ground wire to that  point to the chassis . did all my ground upgrades to my 3 horses . note first picture , battery ground rail on side of battery , last picture ground cable from engine /chassis to that ground rail , connection . enhances all ignition grounding . use dielectric grease on all connections . grounding was a major problem for me , not any more , pete 

  

[953 nut 55,229]

Here is the wiring for your charging system.