When you start a generator and nothing happens, there is no need to panic. A generator is a machine that probably has mechanical issues that we will troubleshoot together. By the end of this article, you will be ready to face any situation where a Kohler generator will not start. To help with troubleshooting, pay attention to the following to ascertain why the generator will not start.
Reasons Why Kohler Generator May Not Start
Here are the things you need to watch out for if your Kohler generator will not start. A generator has a lot of parts, and it is important to pay attention to the happenings within the system. If you have had some experiences with generators, you will not be worried about anything until after checking everything we will talk about below.
a) Low Fuel Tank
The generator is an engine that runs on fuel. The first thing you need to check is whether the oil level is sufficient to run the generator. Add oil where necessary, and the fuel pressure should be sufficient. There should be enough fuel supply before you attempt to hit the start switch. Every crank cycle should start with the tank cylinder full. You will notice that low fuel causes cranking without the generator starting.
b) Dead Battery
If the battery is dead, fuel will be useless in the Kohler generator. To make it more relatable, your car may have gas, but if the battery is dead and has no spark, you have to jump the car for it to run. Replace the battery if you have to to get a strong spark. Replacing the battery is good for the generator to give off the power it should be giving off. A new battery is all you need sometimes.
c) Dirty Spark Plug
A dirty spark plug prevents the generator from working properly. Get it replaced or properly cleaned if the spark plug is covered with dust and a stickier substance. Check the spark plugs before you are tempted to change the entire carburetor.
d) Clogged Carburetor
You need to occasionally drain the carburetor of stale oil and use a carburetor cleaner to eliminate any build-up. Ensure you close the fuel valves when cleaning the carburetor.
e) Clogged Fuel Valve
If the carburetor is clogged, there is a chance that the fuel valve is too. Follow the fuel line when cleaning the parts because you will most likely find similar issues. Try bleeding the fuel lines as well and see what happens. If the valves are off, you will realize that one cylinder will have low fuel pressure and clearing the valves could fix the problem. Maintenance is key for enough pressure to be delivered to the throttle body.
f) Clogged Air Filter
If the air filter is clogged, the fuel line is as good as dead because there will be no air for combustion. All you will get are cranks every time you engage the starter. Air is a vital ingredient in the engine.
g) Connections
Correct connections all over the generator are key. Before you pull the engine, ensure the ignition coil is not broken, and the control board should be in check. The fuses and circuit breakers should be functional, and the remote switch should be working if you want to avoid a stormy night with a torch in your hand. You should be able to see a strong spark in the tester's terminals every time you test the voltage.
Ensure the engines take the right load, as you will see on the user's manual. A normal generator unit should support a household and supply sufficient electricity if connected appropriately.
h) Fuel Pump
A problematic fuel pump might be pumping too much gas into the engine, reducing the combustion rate and causing a hazard. Pay close attention to the fuel line if the generator fails.
Final Take
If your Kohler generator will not start, you can figure it out because the answers are right in front of you. If you search keenly, you will realize that the problem is never that serious most of the time. However, follow the electrical signal and fuel flow, and you will most likely bump into the problem.
