Generator won't stay running - Printable Version
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+--- Thread: Generator won't stay running (/showthread.php?tid=780)
Generator won't stay running - Flick - 05-11-2013
So last fall when we had the RV for a short time the generator would always start on the second try. Just tried it today and it would start but then die as soon as I took my finger off of the start button. Tried a number of times. If I held my finger on the switch just a tad longer it would run but again as soon as I took my finger off of the switch it would die. Now another thing is that I have a switch for a fuel pump on my dash. It is off right now and I honestly don't recall what position it was in last year. Not sure if it is for the generator or not but I turned it on and could hear a pump but the generator would still not continue to run after starting.
Ok guys got any suggestions for me and can you tell me what the fuel pump switch is for?
RE: Generator won't stay running - Chester Stone - 05-12-2013
Not sure about your generator, but I have had diesel engines in the past that have a run solonoid. It has to be engaged before the engine will run, and is bypassed when the starter is engaged. Just an idea.
RE: Generator won't stay running - HoosierDaddy - 05-12-2013
OK Todd I'll take a stab at it. I had the same problem on my '78. After several hours at a KOhler service center we found a fuse holder in the control box on the generator. It is not visible from looking into the generator compartment because it is on the back-side of the front wall of the control box. It contained a round glass 12V fuse. The fuse holder was corroded thus not allowing current through.
I have seen an electric inline fuel pump for the main engine. It is there to assist in priming the engine when restarting after you have run out of fuel.
RE: Generator won't stay running - Flick - 05-16-2013
Well since I have no time and really no experience to chase this down I took it into the mechanics that rebuilt the engine last year. I have not talked to the service guy directly but they said the battery had low voltage. So they charged and refilled and she ran. However they had the door open where the blower is (which is new as of last fall) and it overheated and shut off. The gen then shut off because it over heated. They let things cool down a while and started again with the bay door to the blower off and everything ran fine for 2 hours. Going to run it again tomorrow and if no shutting down issues then I guess it's fixed.
So the issue sounds like a low voltage battery I guess that could not sustain it running???? Confused.
RE: Generator won't stay running - Ozarkguy - 05-16-2013
Todd whats the M/M of your genny? Do you have the manual?
RE: Generator won't stay running - Richard - 05-16-2013
If the voltage was too low to hold the fuel shutoff solenoid open the engine will do exactly as you describe. Before I replaced the coach batteries on mine, it would do the exact same thing when they were low. If I cranked the big engine, the batteries would merge, and the genny would stay running. If I slid the genny out and held the solenoid open by hand I could crank it like that too. Bottom line is I think your mechanic was pretty savvy.
RE: Generator won't stay running - Flick - 05-16-2013
Jimmy it's kohler 12.5CCO-RV. looking at the manual right now.
RE: Generator won't stay running - Ozarkguy - 05-16-2013
Looks like your Mech got it. One of the first trouble shooting checks is a (Flat) battery. Interesting term.
RE: Generator won't stay running - whatsnewell - 05-17-2013
Great news Todd....glad it was something simple! What is your battery configuration? Are you running a couple of 8D batteries for the house, or multiple deep cycle batteries?
RE: Generator won't stay running - prairieschooner - 05-18-2013
I agree with the others in that the Battery and the Cables should be checked first. Good Mechanics, keep 'em!