generator runs and quits

sunsetsandtrails

I've read some post on here about generators starting then quitting once you release the start button. What do you check first ?  One post said it was stator . It's a Kohler  with 325 hours .I just purchased the boat . Any way to check other possibilities ? Could it be the safety switches ?

Liberty44140

It is electrical, could be something cheap and easy like fuses or brushes. Worth a try to replace them first. Then could be control board and or voltage regulator which are diy items but expensive parts. If they are not it then it's time to definitely get a pro to look at stator and rotor. I would call in a pro after fuses and brushes.

sunsetsandtrails

thanks Liberty .............but How do you check the brushes ? Location ?  What other fuses are there other than the 2 in control box ? One of them is for battery charger ??

jbschmalz23

Is it giving you a code when it kicks off? Does it have a good water flow when it does fire up? Mine did that and found it was the impeller, as there wasn't any water coming out of the exhaust. 

sunsetsandtrails

I'll check Jb , I can hear water flowing when it shuts off.  It fires as soon as you hit the start button, but will not run a second longer when released. I don't want to keep the starter engaged , cause other problems .

sunsetsandtrails

sorry Jb, I'm not sure where or how to look for a code . I have the top of the switch box on generator removed where you can see the circuit boards .

Liberty44140

The digital read started sometime in 2006, my 2006 342 does not have digital reads but many do. If you have let it sit overnight to fully cool and this still happens on a cold start then it isn't not cooling, water, impeller. Yes if it is hot this will happen after a few min due to overheat sensor. Won't hurt to change impeller and coupler along with make sure the coolant levels are good. 

sunsetsandtrails

There area only 2 fuses in the panel box, both are good . Maybe one of the shutdown switches has gone bad ??

Liberty44140

Wish I could help more but my experience is on the motor side, I had the exact same problem you are having on my previous boat and called a tech as I don't get the electrical side and it was not the motor. Tech immediately tested and saw no electrical output. First he changed brushes, not problem. Then he changed control board and regulator, not problem. Then he found both my statue and rotor had blown and it ended up that was because of water intrusion and he had to re build the electrical side. Hopefully yours is just brushes, board or regulator. Sorry I can't tell you how to change them as I paid someone to do it. Not sure where you are located but there are a lot of kohler techs out there.

raybo3

Try changing the spark plugs. Those genny's eat them like candy...

sunsetsandtrails

Thanks Liberty .......I sure am hoping it's not the stator and rotor . It will be trash then !

sunsetsandtrails

Thanks raybo.......something is shutting it down after start . runs fine with switch pressed .

raybo3

Mine did the same thing. It was plugs.......

randy56

a buddy of mine had same problem last summer, we found the fuel filter was clogged, let just enough gas to come through, to fire but not run.

Hamdog

Mine did the same as well. I'm with Raybo.......change the spark plugs. If it is the impeller, it would have to run long enough to get hot before auto shutdown. My bet is the plugs. Need changed every year or at most every other if your lucky.

Hamdog

And it doesn't run fine with the switch pressed. It is running assisted by the starter but not on its own.

reneechris14

And a couple of plugs.

craigswardmtb

Just for giggles check all the wires at the genny.  They use crumby connectors that rust out particularly if you are in saltwater.  I have replaced at least 4 pins now on varying connectors.

Liberty44140

I certainly hope it is the plugs or fuel filter and is not electrical. Look through other threads here to make sure you get the right plugs, the ones in there now could be wrong. There is a thread here where @Black_Diamond advises to get rid of the inline fuel filter and just use an external fuel filter/water separator which I did. Great point on connections, those could cause an electrical issue. 

sunsetsandtrails

THANKS to each of you ......will try plugs in a couple days . Maybe the starter engaging was making it run ?? It sounded good no skips or sputters , just dies immediately when start button is released .

Black_Diamond

Definitely start with the plugs: NGK BPR-4ES (long nose...do not get the plugs based on the engine S/N, they will be wrong).

Other checks: anti-diesel valve on the carb (unless FI of course).  Electric choke too: clean with carb cleaner, same for the anti-diesel valve too.

Also, check the obvious: fuel valve on?

That inline fuel filter can be an issue too, most don't even know it is there being hidden.  PITA to get to on mine, thus gone now and the in-line one.

Bayrunner

Here is a great generator kit to buy.  http://www.PartsForTechs.com cost $74.48 

    

Dream_Inn

I have the same kit as Bayrunner mentioned...I use the container for all my small maintenance items (engine impellers, strainers, etc.)

Black_Diamond

FYI: if you run synthetic oil in your genny, you can use the WIX filter 51394XP.
Running regular oil: WIX 51394

rasbury

Fuel or spark, always the same issue!

sunsetsandtrails

My problem was the capacitor . REplaced it and it worked . Thanks for all the help guys.

sunsetsandtrails

UPDATE !!
  Put boat in water June 4th . Cranked generator, ran for 2 minutes or so with NO load and died.  Back to same issue again .  Bought another capacitor and tried it , but will not continue to run when start button is released . NOW WHAT ? 

Black_Diamond

Have you checked the anti-diesel valve?

trip_n

The breaker at the generator is on ?
Have you tried starting from the generator? 
It is getting gas ?
What unit do you have

sunsetsandtrails

Thanks BD and Trip , I haven't had time to go back to boat..........busy in hay field . I'll look at the ADV and I have tried starting from generator switch .  It's getting gas to fire while start switch is depressed. It is a 6.5 esz .

sneaky1967

Mine was doing the same thing.  I disconnected the low oil pressure sensor, and tried again.  Seemed like it tried to run a little bit more.  With the sensor still disconnected, I cranked the engine and when it tried to start, pushed the electric choke open and it fired up and ran like a champ.  So i adjusted the choke to open up quicker, and it ran great.  After a couple times running it like this, I put the wire back on for the low oil pressure sensor and it still runs great now.  I don't know if unhooking the sensor did anything or not, but that's how I did it.