greg_g
Super Member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2003
- Messages
- 6,126
- Location
- Western Kentucky
- Tractor
- JD3720 Cab, 300X loader with 4-in-1 bucket
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I was told there maybe some kind of switch that after the tractor starts it would put the system in parallel. This switch maybe be built in now but we don't know. )</font>
Yes. It's called a direct/parallel switch, common on diesel powered vehicles/planes/boats that require some extra ooomph to start, but then fall back to conventional 12v for lighting/accessories and charging. One position on the switch cuts out all 12v devices, and throws 24v at the starter. Once running, the switch is returned to the 12v position. The reason I asked about thermal start assist devices, is that some ignition switches keep them energized while the starter motor is turning over the engine.
The other thing a good series/parallel switch has to do is charge both batteries. So there has to be some "phantom" wiring involved to return charging voltage to the 2nd battery - even though it's not actually "online". A 1000 amp series/parallel switch for your application would run about $140 bucks, plus labor and materials to install. And you're also faced with fabricating some accommodation for second 12v battery.
That said, I still think you'd be better in the long run to force the issue of getting a 12v starter and solenoid under warranty. My KM454 is direct injection as well, but with the more typical one (12v) battery starting/charging system. Coldest morning here so far this winter has been 16F, and it's not failed to start yet. But use of the compression release is absolutely mandatory.
As far an existing series/parallel switch, I doubt it. There IS a KAMA variation that employs two batteries. But KAMA parts book illustrates the two-battery system as employing two SIX volt batteries - still making it a 12V tractor. This is seemingly confirmed by the fact that both the single and dual battery variants list the same replacement voltage regulator.
One final question: are you actually convinced you have a 24v starter motor? The parts manual fails to list a KAMA part number for the thing, suggesting that it's a vendor item - possibly a mismarked vendor item(?) The label on my starter motor housing contains mostly Asian characters, but I can make out that it's a 2.5KW Wudian QD1315 starter. The solenoid is unmarked.
Hope that helps.
//greg//
Yes. It's called a direct/parallel switch, common on diesel powered vehicles/planes/boats that require some extra ooomph to start, but then fall back to conventional 12v for lighting/accessories and charging. One position on the switch cuts out all 12v devices, and throws 24v at the starter. Once running, the switch is returned to the 12v position. The reason I asked about thermal start assist devices, is that some ignition switches keep them energized while the starter motor is turning over the engine.
The other thing a good series/parallel switch has to do is charge both batteries. So there has to be some "phantom" wiring involved to return charging voltage to the 2nd battery - even though it's not actually "online". A 1000 amp series/parallel switch for your application would run about $140 bucks, plus labor and materials to install. And you're also faced with fabricating some accommodation for second 12v battery.
That said, I still think you'd be better in the long run to force the issue of getting a 12v starter and solenoid under warranty. My KM454 is direct injection as well, but with the more typical one (12v) battery starting/charging system. Coldest morning here so far this winter has been 16F, and it's not failed to start yet. But use of the compression release is absolutely mandatory.
As far an existing series/parallel switch, I doubt it. There IS a KAMA variation that employs two batteries. But KAMA parts book illustrates the two-battery system as employing two SIX volt batteries - still making it a 12V tractor. This is seemingly confirmed by the fact that both the single and dual battery variants list the same replacement voltage regulator.
One final question: are you actually convinced you have a 24v starter motor? The parts manual fails to list a KAMA part number for the thing, suggesting that it's a vendor item - possibly a mismarked vendor item(?) The label on my starter motor housing contains mostly Asian characters, but I can make out that it's a 2.5KW Wudian QD1315 starter. The solenoid is unmarked.
Hope that helps.
//greg//
