1922 Kohler 11OV D.C. Restoration

[BHoward]

Hi Phil Just get it going. You can stop it by closing the throttle by hand . I don't know anything about the controls as mine never had any . Just make sure it has oil and even if it right up on the dip stick pour a bit more in the top to flud the pan for the rod dippers. Good luck Bill.

[Grape]

Yes Bill, While researching everything else, I hope to have it running by the weekend.
Will keep you updated.

[Frank DeWitt]

Originally Posted by Grape

I'll be getting a 24V battery very soon and a temporary gravity fuel system and see what happens. As I move forward, I'll keep you and anyone else interested updated.

These generators are low compression so any battery will work. I use two 12 volt garden tractor batteries from Walmart and thy work great. Do keep them fully charged when not in use for long life.

---------- Post added at 01:04:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:56:27 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Grape

I'm starting with what is obvious. The radiator is in rough shape. Dented top and don't know if it leaks. Sent it to our local radiator shop. They have a good reputation with repairing and restoring antique tractor and vehicle radiators.

I wish I had caught this thread earlier but for others, Make a template (from Plywood or...) showing the input and output for the radiator. When you re solder the ends bolt them to the template (or to the light plant it self) the reason. There are no hoses, Everything is solid so the holes MUST line up.

I didn't do this, and I had to cut the lower pipe and put a hose on it.

[Vanman]

Yeah, about that oiling, don't forget to check for oil flow by looking through the small sight hole in the rocker cover. It should show up there fairly soon after start up. And yes, as mentioned, pouring oil over the the rockers, and thus down on to the cam and rod dip tray, is an excellent thing prior to the first start.

[Grape]

Well, I've had a little time so I got a few more things done. While I had the radiator out I dis-assembled the fan and decided to replace the fan bearings. It took a little while but I found a small bearing shop that was willing to do the research and found both bearing sets. Kelsey bearing in Abottsford WI. Its a one man sore thats been there since 1926! and it looks like he still has a few years left.
Once I got the fan done I re-installed the fan and radiator and it looks and fits well. Then I checked for spark and have none. . Its time to start working on the Mag..
More updates to come as I get time and money..

[BHoward]

Hi Phil. If the mag do,nt work after you have cleaned the points , just make it into a distributor by hooking up an old 12volt car coil . You have to have battery's on it anyway . Just hook to one of the 12 volt batters. Have done that manny times. I meant to say dos,nt work. Good luck. Bill.

[Vanman]

Oh, I wouldn't give up on the mag so easily! For one thing, it allows the set to be run without a battery!

Assuming that it checks out ok with a meter, and if cleaning the points doesn't work, try a known good condenser.

Then think about remagnetizing it. And last, but not least, having it rebuilt. There are guys on the Stak that specialize in this.

[BHoward]

Keith. Sould you run it without battery's ?

[Vanman]

These sets are unaffected by running without a battery as they have no charge regulating relay or reverse current relay. The battery terminals at the controller would have line voltage present on them, but none of the relays are exposed to it.

When running, with or without a battery, the Main Relay is held in by the load current, and the Generator Relay is held in by generator voltage. The Cranking Relay is of course de-energized.

At least that's how all of the later ones operate. My oldest manual is from 1936, and his set has an earlier controller that I have not seen before. It would be cool to study it and make a diagram for it. It would be really cool to find a manual from that era.

[Grape]

Vanman, I contacted Kohler and got 2 manuals from their archives in electronic format. A 1920 users manual and a 1924 operation instructions manual. If you want them just send me a PM with your direct email and I'll send them your way.
Thanks to you and everyone for the help and advice so far. Work will take me away for a few months now so I won't get much done until sometime in July.
Bill, if I can't get the mag to fire with a little cleaning and adjusting, there is a mag shop close by I can take it to. But thanks for the instruction on the option of a regular coil.

[Bent Trigger]

Originally Posted by Grape

Vanman, I contacted Kohler and got 2 manuals from their archives in electronic format. A 1920 users manual and a 1924 operation instructions manual.

How come this never happens for me!!

[Grape]

If you need a copy, I'll share, just send me your email by PM

[G Sams]

Originally Posted by George Andreasen

I was just about to post this link: http://www.oldengine.org/members/frank/
The only flaw with mine was the fuel pump.....it's a "one off" AC design and I couldn't find a replacement diaphragm, so I cut a new one out of flexible, gas proof material.

A 1930 Chevrolet fuel pump kit works perfectly.