ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Two basic types of hattery electrical systems are used on the 2 cylinder engine. The major
components of the conventional system includes a
D.
C. generator, a starting motor and a voltage-
current re
g
ulator. The other system, the Flywheel Alternator system includes a permanent magnet
ring, the alternator stator and a rectifier
-
regulator.
A 12 volt storage battery is used with both types
of systems. An electrical system usually consists of a charging circuit and
a
cranking circuit.
The
major components of each circuit are listed in the fallowing chart under the basic type of electrical
systems.
CHARGING CIRCUIT
1. Battery
-
12 volt
2.
Voltage
-
Current Regulator
3.
D.
C. Generator
CRANKING CIRCUIT
I. Starting Motor (Bendix Type)
CHARGING CIRCUIT
1. Battery
-
12 volt
2. Rectifier
-
Regulator
3.
Alternator
CRANKING CIRCUIT
1. Starting Motor (Bendix Type)
BATTERY
Storage batteries used with Kohler Engines are usually of the lead
-
acid type. Most are 12 volt
batteries
--
6 volt batteries are used on some applications. Lead is used in the construction of the cell-
plates and sulfuric acid serves as the electrolyte.
"
Wet
"
batteries are filled with electrolyte and are
stored ready to use if satisfactory charge has been maintained.
With
"
dry charged" batteries, the
plates are charged but an electrolyte of specific grade must he added just before using.
Both types
function in the same general way.
The typical 12 volt battery has a hard rubber case with six individual compartments or cells.
Each cell contains
a
specific number of sets of negative and positive plates.
Generally, the greater the
number of plates per cell, the higher the ampere
-
hour rating of the battery.
All plates of like charge
are interconnected so that the accumulative charges are present at the positive and negative terminals
of the battery.
All Kohler Engines use negative ground systems.
With this system, the negative
(
-
)
terminal of the hattery
is
connected in common ground to the engine while the positive
(t)
terminal is
the
"
live
"
terminal.
When disconnecting battery always remove ground
(-)
terminal first.
Voltage Test: With
a
battery in good condition, each cell contributes approximately 1.95 to 2.08 volts.
If less than 0. 05 volt difference
is
noted between the highest and lowest cells, the battery may be
recharged. If the difference is more than .05
volts, this could indicate a cracked plate or other
damage which could call for replacement of the hattery.
Specific Gravity Test: As a hattery discharges and the energy is not replenished, sulfuric acid is
chemically withdrawn from the electrolyte and lead sulfate deposits continue to build up on the plates.
This results in
a
diminishing specific gravity of the electrolyte.
If the specific gravity drops below
1.240, the hattery must he recharged. In fully charged condition, the specific gravity will be in the
1.260
-
1.280 range. Some batteries are designed specifically for use in tropical zones
--
these have a
lower specific gravity than other batteries. Hydrometer readings must be correct for variation in
temperature of electrolyte.
Add ,004 to the reading for every
10' above 80
"
F.
and subtract .004 for
every 10
"
below 80
"
F.
As
a battery is recharged,
a
reverse chemical reaction takes place which causes the lead sulfate
deposits to
be
changed back to lead, lead dioxide and sulfuric acid.
In effect, this reverses the dis
-
charge reaction and restores materials to active condition. If sulfate deposits become too great or if
the level of the electrolyte is not maintained above the level of the plates, the battery may be perma
-
nently damaged.
Safety Precaution:
Adequate ventilation must be provided when batteries are being recharged.
Also
sparks,
open flames and smoking should be avoided since hydrogen gas is produced which, if ignited,
can cause an internal explosion that can shatter the battery. This gas
is
produced in quantity only
while the battery receives high rate of charge but can linger for several hours in a poorly ventilated
area.
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