Kohler generator wont run help

[Phillip Haack]

I have a Kohler 6.50Z23 generator. The last time it ran was 5 nonths ago wheen i bought the boat.
I checked for fuel at the careb and when i loosened the gas line fitting gas ran out.when I squirt starter fluid in the engine runs as long as I hold my finge on the start button or until the starter fluid runs out. The engine will not start on gas.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Kohler generator wont run help

Sounds like your fuel pump has gone bad, or your gas is bad, I would check the trouble shooting section on the Kohler website, also check to make sure your fuel line has not cracks in it, I had tha that problem on my mother in laws generator, ti was allowing to much air in and leaning out the mixture so much that the generator would not run....there are only three things that will keep it from running, fuel, air and spark, you know you have spark or it would not run on starting fluid, so it has to be something in the air/fuel mixture either your getting to much fuel or your getting to much air..figure out which one and get it back in balance and it should run again.

Also make sure you have no load on the generator, after sitting a while, they can give you problems if there is a load on it while trying to start it..

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Kohler generator wont run help

Welcome to iboats.

I will move this thread to where it may receive more response

Have you checked the oil? Some generators have a low oil cut off switch that will prevent running.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Kohler generator wont run help

Have you checked the float bowl? After sitting around and not being used water or crappy gas can accumulate in the bowl and the only remedy is to remove the bowl and rinse it out with carburettor cleaner.

 

[rbh]

Re: Kohler generator wont run help

For kohlers and onans with electric fuel pumps.
If your kohler is anything like my onan there is a electronic board in it that engages the fuel pump on startup.
If there is an issue with the board or connection to the "electric fuel pump", you will get no fuel.
I would first pull the wires off the fuel pump, turn it over and see if you are getting power to the plug. if there is power the issue is with the pump, or filter, or pick up tube (is there a fuel shut off petcock???)

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: Kohler generator wont run help

Some generators have a low oil cut off switch that will prevent running.

My Generac has one of those, but they are normally bypassed for 5-10 seconds (on the control board) to allow the engine to start and run. After the time delay the control board checks the sensor input and if there is no or insufficient pressure it shuts down. Mine did this when the pressure switch broke. But they will start and run with this problem.

His problem sounds a lot like a fuel delivery issue. Especially with him introducing a different fuel source (starting fluid), and it runs. That eliminates compression and ignition problems right there. I bet once he cleans the carb and checks the fuel pump it'll run.

 

[beagleboy]

Re: Kohler generator wont run help

Everybody is on the right track but a couple of things haven't been mentioned. 1) plugged main jet, use a fine wire to clean 2) If equiped with the anti backfire solinoid it is stuck in the closed position. This solinoid is under the carb bowl. It basically has a magnetic plunger that closes off the main jet when ignition is turned off preventing backfires. Most larger garden tractors have this as well. This whole problem is caused by stale gas. I'm in the small engine business and see this all the time usually at the beginning of a season after several months of improper storage.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Kohler generator wont run help

There are 7-9 items that will keep your genset from running. Check the Kohler website for your specifics. Low oil pressure level, low oil pressure, low water flow, low or high generator output, etc.

First check the fluid levels, the the water flow, then the pressures.