Battery Charging; Battery Maintenance; Battery Test; Electrical Systems Wiring Diagrams And Battery Charging Systems - Kohler Courage SV470 Service Manual

Section 7
Electrical System and Components
Battery
A 12 volt battery with a minimum current rating
of 250 cold cranking amps is recommended. The
actual cold cranking amp requirement depends on
engine size, application and starting temperatures.
As temperatures decrease, cranking requirements
increase but battery capacity shrinks. Refer to the
operating instructions of the equipment this engine
powers for specific battery requirements.
If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the
engine, recharge the battery. Do not jump start using
another battery.

Battery Charging

WARNING: Explosive Gases!
Batteries produce explosive hydrogen gas while being
charged. To prevent a fire or explosion, charge batteries only
in well ventilated areas. Keep sparks, open flames, and other
sources of ignition away from the battery at all times. Keep
batteries out of the reach of children. Remove all jewelry
when servicing batteries.
Before disconnecting the negative (-) ground cable, make
sure all switches are OFF. If ON, a spark will occur at the
ground cable terminal, which could cause an explosion if
hydrogen gas or gasoline vapors are present.

Battery Maintenance

Regular maintenance will ensure the battery will
accept and hold a charge.
1. Regularly check the level of electrolyte. Add
distilled water as necessary to maintain the
recommended level.
NOTE: Do not overfill the battery. Poor
performance or early failure due to loss
of electrolyte will result.
2. Keep the cables, terminals, and external surfaces
of the battery clean. A build-up of corrosive
acid or grime on the external surfaces can self-
discharge the battery. Self-discharging happens
rapidly when moisture is present.
3. Wash the cables, terminals, and external surfaces
with a baking soda and water solution. Rinse
thoroughly with clear water.
NOTE: Do not allow the baking soda solution to
enter the cells of the battery, as this will
destroy the electrolyte.
7.6

Battery Test

Test the battery voltage by connecting a DC voltmeter
across the battery terminals and cranking the engine.
If the battery drops below 9 volts while cranking, the
battery is discharged or faulty. Refer to Figure 7-6.
DC
Voltmeter
Figure 7-6. Checking Battery Voltage.
Electrical Systems Wiring Diagrams and
Battery Charging Systems
Most engines are equipped with either a 9 or 15 amp,
regulated battery charging system. Some have a 3
amp, regulated system with a 70 watt lighting circuit.
Refer to the following wiring diagrams and
troubleshooting guides to test and service the system.
NOTE: Observe the following guidelines to
prevent damage to the electrical system and
components.
1. Make sure the battery polarity is correct. A
negative (-) ground system is used.
2. Disconnect the battery cables (negative (-) cable
first), before doing electric welding on the
equipment powered by the engine.
3. Prevent the stator leads from touching or
shorting while the engine is running. This could
damage the stator.
Battery