My kohler 5e marine generator only runs when I hold the start button and only produces about 12vac. Is this a quick fix?

SOURCE: Yamaha ef1000 will only idle and produce 12 vac

Hi, I have the same generator and I pull the load and it is fine. The engine RPM is controlled by the 
governor. The voltage will not come up until the RPM is at full. First see what the RPM problem is and then check the voltage. Open the cover and look to see if the carb linkage is hooked up , if it is you mite have carb problem and address that first. Hope that helps.  

mamicheddy

• 79 Answers
• Posted on May 07, 2009

SOURCE: Hello, I have a Kohler Marine Generator that says OC on the menu when I try to start it. Any ideas?

OC stands for Over Crank. How long does it take before the genset starts?

SOURCE: kohler confidant 4 generator service manual and wiring diagram

First thing is to check oil level as low oil pressure will shut it down.

SOURCE: 1975, 7.5 Kohler marine genset, runs only with the reset depresed

Can't search for a manual without model, type, serial, etc numbers...

A few things to take a look at:

1) Oil level / pressure sending unit. This is normally bypassed as long as the start switch is pressed. When engine starts, and switch is released, engine will die if sending unit is defective, or you are low on oil.

2) Exhaust temperature sensors. Older units were notorious for burning these up.

3) Cooling Water Temperature sensor. These cause trouble often, but mostly due to water pump impeller being eaten away by galvanic action and not able to pump water as effecively. End result is water temp higher than normal, which trips the switch, which kills the engine.

4) Alternator (generator) output not as it should. If output doesn't rise to proper level within a few seconds of engine start, the engine will be shut down.

5) Choke not working as it should

6) Bad fuel, bad fuel pump, clogged fuel filter.

SOURCE: Kohler 5E generator on my boat got wet there is no

1. First you must clean it all, especialy the generator, windings, AVR etc. if it was wet with sea water (better do it with fresh water or electro-clean, than other liquids). Then you should dry it well (with a hot blower) for about, but not less than 24 hours, before starting.
2. If you already started it wet, or it got wet while running, you may have some parts burned, with low insulation of cables, windings etc. Check the AVR, rings and brushes (if any) and other electronic boards for visualy burned elements or check the semiconductor elements (diodes and transistors) for proper qualities.
3. You should check the gen. windings insulation resistence to hull (gen. iron) [all stator and rotor windings]. It should be more than 100 kOhm in order to let you start the generator motor.
4. When dry and clean, with no burned elements you can start the engine. If it reaches its normal speed - measure the voltage on generator terminals, if it is OK check the connections (breakers, fuses) to the distribution panel. If it is very low under 30 V AC, the problem may be in AVR (Auto Voltage Reg. - Field DC supply)
5. If the voltage is under 10 V AC, you may need to recharge the magnetic field with a 12 V battery connected shortly to field terminals - +/- respected.