Generator will not run for more than a few seconds

[KeysVal]

Hi
My brother in law has a 2017 Coachmen Freelander with a 4 kw Kohler generator.

Just recently he found that the generator will start almost immediately and run for about 2 - 3 seconds, then shut down. It can be restarted but will not run more than those few seconds.


Any suggestions on what to try would be appreciated!

[Sweetbriar]

What could be happening is for the first few seconds after starting the safeties are disabled until the engine is stable. Examples are oil pressure, over temp or power generation problems such as high/low volts or frequency.

My guess would be to first check the oil level. Doesn't take much to trigger a low pressure fault. Find the service manual to check exactly what operating parameters are monitored and to go after them.

[jelag]

Add to that... fuel in the tank.... a lot of coaches have 2 outlets, one supplies the engine and the second the gen set... the second one is set so that you can't run the tank out of fuel and get to town... usually it reduces fuel to the gen set when the tank is below 25%


My second thought is a fuel filter.. that flows enough fuel to start the unit but won't supply enough fuel to run up against the governor...

[saddlesore]

With all the vibration the gas generators have.. check all the electrical connections,INCLUDING the oil pressure sending unit,,then fuel filters...

[Rkesselus]

I do not think Kohler is still producing a 4 KW RV generator. Could you be referring to a AMP generator powered by a Kohler engine? If so it would be interesting to have a picture of it and how it was installed. Just thinking, might be totally off base here.

[avfordguy]

Originally Posted by Rkesselus

I do not think Kohler is still producing a 4 KW RV generator. Could you be referring to a AMP generator powered by a Kohler engine? If so it would be interesting to have a picture of it and how it was installed. Just thinking, might be totally off base here.

Cool never seen a 4k kohler!

[knit]

Does the generator show any error codes? What’s the model number and fuel type?

[gljurczyk]

Originally Posted by KeysVal

Hi
My brother in law has a 2017 Coachmen Freelander with a 4 kw Kohler generator.

Just recently he found that the generator will start almost immediately and run for about 2 - 3 seconds, then shut down. It can be restarted but will not run more than those few seconds.


Any suggestions on what to try would be appreciated!

I never knew Coachmen put in Kohler generator, most if not all Coachmens have a 4 kw Onan. It sounds like what has been posted already, also most generators come with a 2 year warranty, you could still be in it, depending on purchase date. The 2nd year you would have to take to a authorized service center not the stealer you bought it from. I love my 4kw Onan but make sure he runs it monthly with a 1/2 LOAD, the more you use them the better they get...

[carl.swoyer]

Have you checked for any codes stored in the generator?

[Mrbitz]

Sounds like a problem. Yes it could be safety switch such as low oil, but sounds more like an AC electrical problem. You might not be producing AC power, check fuses if any. This might be a trip to the generator repair company. Hopefully not but could be. I've seen this exact same thing before.

[Rkesselus]

Originally Posted by avfordguy

Cool never seen a 4k kohler!

Years ago war time and into mid 50s Water cooled 4cylinder heavy as all get out and then later a big old single cylinder prior to 60s. Had one of each.

[red300zx]

Fuel level must be +1/4 tank minimum, oil pressure and coolant level or sensors.

[cmills1334]

if nothing else has worked might be over too fast idle speed with no load bad carb

[153stars]

Can be float needle in carb / dirty jets.not keeping bowl full or goes off choke starves for gas. Most carb issues can be done without removal of carb . put rags to catch dropped parts. A gas welder tip cleaner is helpful don't ream them out.