Kohler COMMAND CH18, Service Manual

Page: 148 / 232

8.24
Section 8
Electrical System and Components
Electric Starting Motors
Some engines in this series use inertia drive starting
motors while most use solenoid shift starters. The
inertia drive types are covered first and the solenoid
shift types following.
Starting Motor Precautions
NOTE: Do not crank the engine continuously for
more than 10 seconds at a time. If the engine
does not start, allow a 60 second cool-down
period between starting attempts. Failure to
follow these guidelines can burn out the
starter motor.
NOTE: If the engine develops sufficient speed to
disengage the starter but does not keep
running (a false start), the engine rotation
must be allowed to come to a complete stop
before attempting to restart the engine. If the
starter is engaged while the flywheel is
rotating, the starter pinion and flywheel ring
gear may clash, resulting in damage to the
starter.
Problem Possible Fault Correction
1. Check the specific gravity of battery. If low, recharge or replace
battery as necessary.
1. Clean corroded connections and tighten loose connections.
2. Replace wires in poor condition and with frayed or broken
insulation.
1. By-pass the switch or solenoid with a jumper wire. If starter
cranks normally, replace the faulty components. Solenoid Shift
Starters: Perform individual solenoid test procedure. See pages
8.39 and 8.40.
1. Check the specific gravity of battery. If low, recharge or replace
battery as necessary.
1. Check for excessively dirty or worn brushes and commutator.
Clean using a coarse cloth (not emery cloth).
2. Replace brushes if excessively or unevenly worn.
1. Make sure the clutch or transmission is disengaged or placed in
neutral. This is especially important on equipment with
hydrostatic drive. The transmission must be exactly in neutral to
prevent resistance which could keep the engine from starting.
2. Check for seized engine components such as the bearings,
connecting rod, and piston.
Starter
Does Not
Energize
Starter
Energizes
but Turns
Slowly
Battery
Wiring
Starter Switch
or Solenoid
Brushes
Transmission
or
Engine
Battery
NOTE: If the starter does not crank the engine, shut
off the starter immediately. Do not make
further attempts to start the engine until the
condition is corrected.
NOTE: Do not drop the starter or strike the starter
frame. Doing so can damage the starter.
Starter Removal and Installation
Refer to the “Disassembly” and “Reassembly”
Sections for starter removal and installation
procedures.
Inertia Drive Electric Starters
This subsection covers the operation, troubleshooting,
and repair of the inertia drive, permanent magnet
electric starters.
Troubleshooting Guide – Starting Difficulties