Kohler 18hp problem

[up-power]

I have a kohler command pro 18hp and it have been great for over a year and then today it fired up and then started running rough. Brought it back to shop and checked oil and filter and all the normal stuff. I found this part with melted plastic around it. Wondering if this may be the problem and I'm not sure what it is. Any help would b great for the morning jobs. Thank god for a backup machine.

 

[Chris Epping]

Looks like you have a short in the ignition or charging system.

 

[Russ Johnson]

That's the voltage regulator for the charging system. The 2 outer prongs are the 30 volts AC that the alternator behind the flywheel produces. The middle prong is the 14 volts DC that keep the battery charged.

With the outside terminals burned like they are, I'd suspect some fault in the alternator.