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is there anyway to tell (other than running your argo) if the regulator is broke.i just replaced the fuse but waiting for next year when i use it to see if it was the fuse but the one that is on there is almost 11 years old and according to argo that is when they usually expire.
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If you can start it you can check the system with a voltmeter. Beyond that I don't know on the Argos.
If you have the fuse you replaced you can do a continuity test on it to see if it was bad. Generally (my experience as a professional mechanic, just not a ton of argo specific experience)fuses expire do to blowing from an overload, not from meeting a time-life mark. I spent years as an aviation mechanic where a LARGE percentage of the parts have a specific time life to replacement & fuses were not one of them. -
so how many volts should it be showing and how would i test that?Comment
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The complete kohler magnum engine manual is available online. I think on this site but not being very tec savy I don't know how to link it. Your charging system will not work if you do not have battery voltage at the center terminal of the regulator. With a fully charged battery, engine running at mid throttle, measure voltage across battery terminals. It should be between 13.8-14.2 volts. Hope this helps out some.Comment
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I just wanted to add that if you do not have 13.5 volts or above, you can disconnect the two wires coming from the stator (usually yellow) and check for AC voltage across them. This should be something like 20 volts or more with the motor running at half speed. If there is good voltage there then you can be sure the regulator is bad. There is no real way to test the regulator itself, just eliminate everything else, so good battery and good stator and still no charge means it has to be the regulator. I have had good luck with these too if you are looking for an inexpensive alternative. 12V 4pin AC Voltage Regulator Rectifier for GY6 50 80 125cc Scooter ATV Go Kart | eBayComment
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so will that regulator fit? if so is there any modifications?Comment
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any other ideas that one dont ship to canada
(cheap ideas)Comment
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If you go on ebay and run a search for GY6 Regulator it will spit out a bunch. some ship from china some from the US, but they are all the same. Just pick one out that looks the same as the one I linked to that gets you cheapest shipping.
Here is the wiring for any of these regulators with this style plug on them. I just cut all 4 wires and put crimp on female spade connectors on them and cover with a little heat shrink.
Edit: I just remembered I think the kohler regulator has 3 wires going to it. 2 yellows from the stator and one red battery positive. it is internally grounded so you will just have to add a ground wire for the new one. Or you could always just buy the Kohler regulator and plug it in... I'm cheaper than most
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so that regulator will work the same as the argo ones did. also where is the stator located?
also where would i locate this regulator? sameplace or does it matter?Comment
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I actually know very little about argos, but I have been working on kohler engines for 20 years. Kohler puts their stators under the flywheel with magnets on the inside of the flywheel to generate the AC current. The two wires coming out from under the flywheel carry that current to the voltage regulator, and the regulator then rectifies it to DC current and cuts it down to 13.5-15 volts to charge the battery.
If you think your stator is bad you can check for AC voltage on those two wires with the motor running, and if that is low or non-existent you can check Ohms between those two wires with the engine off, and also from either of those wires to ground. You should have continuity between those wires, but open circuit when checked to ground. I know this is a lot of information all at once, but once you understand how it all works it is really easy to troubleshoot if you have problems in the future too.
Any solid state voltage regulator/rectifier that is designed for 12v and single phase stators will work for you, its just a matter of wiring it correctly. I have had one of those regulators on my Allis 716 with a 16 hp kohler for 3 years with no problems whatsoeverComment
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Lets go back to the beginning before you start buying parts. If I missed this elsewhere please point me the right direction.
I assume you are having a charging problem? What are the symptoms? Do you have to jump it to start it? Have you checked anywhere for voltage levels?
Remember, the key to being a good mechanic, especially on something like our argos is being a good trouble shooter. There are too many guys calling themselves mechanics that only know how to replace parts until it finally works. Good troubleshooters are worth their weight in gold in any shop. You want to be that guy! :-)
What's not happening that should, or is that shouldn't?
What could possibly cause the condition? Sit & think about it. Jot some things down. Get a simple cheap volt/ohm/continuity meter so you can check that fuse (continuity meter) & KNOW it is or isn't good. Check voltage with the engine running (as others said) so you know if you have a charging problem or a storage (battery) problem. Check all the wiring & connections.
Do all those things BEFORE you start ripping things out or ordering & installing new parts.
Learn to use the service manuals.
Sounds like you have the makings of a good mechanic. Cultivate that talent!Comment
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ok i am sure all the voltafe is good. but i really think it is the regulator becuase it is almost 11 years old and that is when they start to break down. also the fuse was blown on the yellow wire that went to the regulatorComment
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It could be but my 1983(ish) with the Kohler still has the original...Originally posted by curtisbyrne View Post
What was it doing? What problem are you trying to cure(Have to jump it every time? Battery goes dead while sitting? does OK with out lights but not with lights turned on? Battery looses charge at idle?) Did you actually check voltage anywhere on the machine?Comment
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