Charging problem

[jimstractors]

Bruce:
Would the Kohler reg work on my 1401d (ac alt output)? Does it convert to DC, or do I need to use a bridge in between?
Jim

 

[gbirky]

Jim,
That was the purpose of my last question. The Kohler reg includes the bridge diodes. So this will work with your YM1401D as long as the two wires from the alternator are the AC outputs - which I believe they are.

The easy way to tell is to unplug the alternator, then put a volt meter on the leads with the engine running. Check for DC - should be zero, and for AC - should be about 30 volts. If so, then the diode bridge is in your VR. Use the Kohler. I attached a diagram.

Greg

 

[Soundguy]

This sounds like the best soloution. Having only the reg hit the bat. as a charging line. Better than the extremely wasteful way it is set up now, shunting excess power, etc.

Soundguy

""The regulator has 3 terminals. Two are labeled B+ and connect to the two wires coming off the generator(dyno). The last terminal connects to the + battery post. I connect the last terminal to the ignition switch so that the regulator is only connected to the battery when the switch is on. ""

 

[jimstractors]

Greg:
From the beginning of this thread I mentioned that I thought my alternator is good, because I get exactly that: zero DC volts and 30 AC volts. I just ordered a Kohler reg. from jackssmallengines.com for $36.82 + $5.00 shipping, no tax. Their part # ST435081. I will let the thread know if that solves my charging problem.
Thanks,
Jim

 

[Keoke]

Greg, from the begining of this thread you indicated your alternator had it's diode bridge inside the alternator and not in the regulator; as most small alternators do.
Your wiring diagram shows a full wave rectifier inside the alternator and not in the regulator. Have you now changed your mind on the diode bridge location?
Help, I'm confused!
Greg, if the Kohler unit is for permanent magnet field alternators then it is not really a voltage regulator at all since it does no voltage regulation. It is, instead, a straight AC to DC rectifier bridge. It looks like the amperage of this alt is so low it does not need any charging output controls.

cheers,

 

[gbirky]

Keoke,

You are correct in that my alternator does have the diode bridge in it. I was trying to address Jim's problem with his YM1401D - which does NOT have the bridge rectifier. I believe his is in the regulator. I know his regulator is a different part than mine, and is about $40 more than mine new from Yanmar.

My alternator and diode bridge are working, but the regulator is not. The fact that there is one means that the designers decided it was necessary - and isn't a rectifier. Of course I have not yet figured out what the regulator does.

If you are correct, and the Kohler unit is only a bridge rectifier, then of course it adds nothing to my solution - I already have a rectifier. More importantly, will it work for Jim if it is only a rectifier and does no regulation?

Can we figure out what the Kohler unit does???

Bruce??

Greg

 

[Soundguy]

Ok.. now I'm confused.. you saw that you have a working rectifier inthe alternator ( generator. ) but you are getting 30vac as a reading?

Lets re-visit this.

Soundguy

 

[jimstractors]

Kohler defines the part as a "Voltage Regulator", so I assume it regulates and rectifies.

 

[gbirky]

Guys,
Lets slow down here. We are talking about two different systems here, and creating lots of confusion.

Jim has a YM1401 which has an alternator without the rectifier (diode bridge). His must be in the regulator. He gets 30VAC, zero DC, from his alternator. His regulator does not work.

I have a YM1110D, which has the rectifier on the back of the alternator/generator. My regulator also does not work. However, I have DC already, and just need the regulating function.

The YM1401 and YM1110 use different regulators. The one for the YM1401 is about $100, while the regulator for the YM1110 is about $60.

Now I can always use the Kohler regulator by simply bypassing the rectifier on my alternator. I just unsolder the winding leads from the diode pack, and solder on leads to connect to the regulator.

The question remains - is the Kohler "regulator" just a rectifier? Or does it regulate charging somehow?

If it is just a rectifier, it does me no good, but may help Jim. Though I think we should know more before we assume that Jim can use this Kohler part. I think the YM1401 regulator is both rectifier and regulator, so if the Kohler only rectifies, then it is only half(?) of the solution.

Greg

 

[gbirky]

Jim,
I sure hope you are right. How can we know for sure?

Greg