Kohler K301S

[Redav72 227]

I was inspecting the engine on my Charger 12, planning maintenance once Spring arrives.  I was planning to buy new points and a condenser but when I'm looking where they should be based on some YouTube videos they don't appear to be present.  Am I missing something?

 

[ebinmaine 67,592]

No points on that one. 

That's a trigger ignition.  

[Redav72 227]

Are there any maintenance steps that I should take for a trigger ignition?

[WHX?? 48,828]

Magneto ignition.... sssoo your spring list might include pulling tins, a flywheel and fins cleaning. Checking magnets and wiring . Overall degreaseing and fastener tightness check. Air filters & fuel lines. 

[WHX?? 48,828]

7 minutes ago, Redav72 said:

Are there any maintenance steps that I should take for a trigger ignition?

Hence the magnets and wiring checks. Clean charge coils... look for signs of overheating. 

[pfrederi 17,741]

Actually if it works leave it alone.  If you do take it apart read up in the manual and be careful.  if you mess something up  it is expensive or you have to convert to battery ignition.  I have 3 and they seem to thrive when left alone.

[daveoman1966 3,752]

Not sure how true it is, but I've been advised to NOT use any sort of electronic test device....like an Ohm meter, circuit tester, or any other of sorts because such a device leaves   invisible TRACE   lines that RUIN the 'electronic coil'...  I have a Bronco 14 with K341 engine and this electronic ign system...also have a SPARE coil...just in case. 

[953 nut 55,298]

As Paul @pfrederi said, the breakerless ignition is wonderful and as long as it is running don't touch it. Here is some information from the Kohler engine service manual.

 

[peter lena 8,634]

@Redav72   not related , yet hiding in plane site , 3 rd photo, vertical fuel line from pump to carb, perfect spot for a fuel check valve , install vertically , so it will hold fuel in place for your carb , faster starts . https://www.amazon.com/EVIL-ENERGY-Return-Petrol-Aluminium/dp/B07ZB42CGT , simple / easy .  pete

[Jeff-C175 7,202]

8 hours ago, daveoman1966 said:

Not sure how true it is, but I've been advised to NOT use any sort of electronic test device....like an Ohm meter, circuit tester, or any other of sorts because such a device leaves   invisible TRACE   lines that RUIN the 'electronic coil'...  I have a Bronco 14 with K341 engine and this electronic ign system...also have a SPARE coil...just in case. 

 

Without further technical information as to exactly what the person that said that was talking about, I find that statement to be EXTREMELY dubious.

 

"Trace lines"???  Exactly what is that I wonder?  Are they saying that an ohmeter can 'burn' trace lines into a circuit board or something?  No... I can't believe that.

 

Edited January 31, 2022 by Jeff-C175

[pacer 3,173]

18 minutes ago, Jeff-C175 said:

No... I can't believe that.

 

[kpinnc 12,083]

1 hour ago, Jeff-C175 said:

No... I can't believe that.

 

 Given how this system works, there has just got to be some type of aftermarket replacement. 

 

I only have one of these, but I'd hate to have to convert back to battery ignition if it fails.

[Jeff-C175 7,202]

9 minutes ago, kpinnc said:

 Given how this system works, there has just got to be some type of aftermarket replacement. 

 

I only have one of these, but I'd hate to have to convert back to battery ignition if it fails.

 

It's a basic CDI system.  "Capacitive Discharge Ignition".  I'm gonna ask my friend Mrs. Google about replacements.

 

Yes, there are aftermarket CDI systems.  Probably just as much work to convert to one of them as to convert back to battery ignition.

And they are exspendsive.

 

 

Edited January 31, 2022 by Jeff-C175

[ebinmaine 67,592]

5 minutes ago, kpinnc said:

 Given how this system works, there has just got to be some type of aftermarket replacement. 

 

I only have one of these, but I'd hate to have to convert back to battery ignition if it fails.

I don't have any experience with these as of yet. Ed Stoller might be able to help out...

He's done some excellent things with Tecumseh engines and much older flywheel engines.

 

[kpinnc 12,083]

3 minutes ago, Jeff-C175 said:

It's a basic CDI system.  "Capacitive Discharge Ignition".  I'm gonna ask my friend Mrs. Google.

 

If you see anything let me know. I haven't found much at all.

 

3 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

Ed Stoller might be able to help out...

He's done some excellent things with Tecumseh engines and much older flywheel engines.

 

Thanks! I'll see what I can find.

[Jeff-C175 7,202]

59 minutes ago, kpinnc said:

see anything

 

https://vogelmanufacturing.com/garden-tractor.html?cat=22&p=2

 

These guys are pullers.  The MSD could be adapted I'm sure, but WAY overkill.

Might need a different trigger though, they show this with the Hall Effect trigger module.

I don't know what Kohler used, or if you could still use the same trigger module or not.

 

 

Edited January 31, 2022 by Jeff-C175

[ebinmaine 67,592]

1 hour ago, kpinnc said:

Thanks! I'll see what I can find.

I'll try to remember to send you a PM later with some links to videos I have and his website.

[pfrederi 17,741]

If it fails just switch to battery points easier cheaper and more reliable than some CDI or  hall effect system that may or may not work with your charging system and will cost you money... But if you leave it alone it will probably work for years.

Edited January 31, 2022 by pfrederi

[ranger 1,750]

5 hours ago, Jeff-C175 said:

 

Without further technical information as to exactly what the person that said that was talking about, I find that statement to be EXTREMELY dubious.

 

"Trace lines"???  Exactly what is that I wonder?  Are they saying that an ohmeter can 'burn' trace lines into a circuit board or something?  No... I can't believe that.

 

Unless someone buzzes it with a ‘Megga’ mains electrical systems insulation tester!💥😢

[Jeff-C175 7,202]

9 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

switch to battery points

 

On engines with the CDI, is the hole for the points pushrod drilled through?  If so, shouldn't there be some sort of protection against dirt getting in there?

If not, one would have to drill that out to convert back to points...

 

 

[pfrederi 17,741]

There is plug in it (My reference is I had to dig one out)

Edited January 31, 2022 by pfrederi

[kpinnc 12,083]

So I went Googling for an aftermarket option. Haven't found it yet.

 

Of course that trail always ends up on Brian Miller's site, and he has come up with an alternative. He sells a "kit" for $251, but another Google search puts the parts at about $80. Only about $30 if you already have a traditional coil to use. 

 

Might give it some thought. Maybe some testing whenever I pull the engine to remove the balance gears... Parts for this are cheap. Just not sure how well solid state proximity sensors will handle the heat under the flywheel shroud. Good news is they come in all types and are cheap. 

 

Regardless, it appears that there are other options besides converting to conventional battery ignition.

 

 

[Jeff-C175 7,202]

21 minutes ago, kpinnc said:

some thought

 

Did Brian give any info on where or how to mount the proxos sensor ?

 

     

 

Tells how to connect it electrically, but not how to physically mount it.

 

This page has some info on mounting, is this where you were?

http://gardentractorpullingtips.com/hei2.htm

 

 

Edited January 31, 2022 by Jeff-C175

[ebinmaine 67,592]

Just as a point of interest for you folks, there is a unit for sale that replaces the condenser.  

Basically reduces the amperage across the points to near zero.  

At that low number the points would last for decades of decades.   

 

[pfrederi 17,741]

or buy a set of points condenser and plunger, a coil (which I guess you have to buy for this fancy setup) and a new ignition switch...which you will also need for this set up. Lots cheaper...