Barthmobile Portal
Generator from hell
08-13-2014, 08:33 PM
Richard_MuiseGenerator from hell
My Kohler propane generator developed a short which caused the starter to turn continuously to the point where it started to small. I disconnected all the batteries, then disconnected the hot lead from the generator. Problem solved, sort of. Anyone know if parts are still available for this beast? It runs great but it is 20 years old.
R.P.Muise 1994 Breakaway/Cummins 5.9/Allison transmission/Spartan Chassis
_________________________
The 82 MCC {by Barth}
is not an rv--
it is a Motor Coach!!
08-13-2014, 10:03 PM
ccctimtationThe 6.5 on my boat has a born date of winter 1967,(it runs really well) I have no problem finding parts at the Kohler dealer. Most problems are dealing with the dealer.
08-14-2014, 01:00 PM
bill hquote:
Originally posted by Richard_Muise:
My Kohler propane generator ..............
What is the model number?
.
84 30T PeeThirty-Something, 502 powered
08-17-2014, 08:57 AM
Richard_MuiseIt's a 7cckm liquid propane. I can hear the starter spinning but it doesn't engage until I push the start button. I'm wondering if it's worth putting money into a 20 year old kohler.
R.P.Muise 1994 Breakaway/Cummins 5.9/Allison transmission/Spartan Chassis
Mine did something similar a couple of years ago. The starter mounts are part of the engine crankcase and broke. Solution was only to replace cast aluminum crankcase. Instead I fabricated a starter mount that bolted to the bottom of crankcase....took some red neck ingenuity but it works and saved a 200 hour generator....if happened to I'll take pics
08-18-2014, 06:30 PM
Richard_Muisemy problem is that the starter spins because it is getting 12 volts to it before i push the starter button. Unless i disconnect the 12 volt positive lead. it will continue to spin. What could make the motor turn even though I am not pushing the start button?
R.P.Muise 1994 Breakaway/Cummins 5.9/Allison transmission/Spartan Chassis
08-18-2014, 06:44 PM
Richard_MuiseCould the controller be the cause of my problem????
R.P.Muise 1994 Breakaway/Cummins 5.9/Allison transmission/Spartan Chassis
08-18-2014, 07:00 PM
RustyThe symptoms point to a sticky/stuck starter solenoid. The solenoid when activated pulls in and closes a high-current contact that activates the starter motor itself. The solenoid (on some engines) also mechanically engages the starter pinion gear with the engine ring gear.
I don't think the controller is involved, because it has to sense the engine has started.
Removing and cleaning the solenoid internals might be the key.
Rusty
"StaRV II"'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP
Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields
08-19-2014, 08:34 AM
Richard_MuiseCould this also be called the starter switch? Can't find a solenoid anywhere on the parts list.
R.P.Muise 1994 Breakaway/Cummins 5.9/Allison transmission/Spartan Chassis
08-19-2014, 10:34 AM
Richard_MuiseIt IS the starter switch. When I tap on it with a hammer handle, the symptoms go away. So now I need to find a starter solenoid in Moose Jaw NB. Wish me luck!
R.P.Muise 1994 Breakaway/Cummins 5.9/Allison transmission/Spartan Chassis
08-19-2014, 03:54 PM
Richard_MuiseGot it the part number is napa st404 for the heavy duty.
R.P.Muise 1994 Breakaway/Cummins 5.9/Allison transmission/Spartan Chassis
08-19-2014, 05:01 PM
RustyGlad it was something simple!

Rusty
"StaRV II"'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP
Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields
08-19-2014, 08:26 PM
Richard_MuiseIt only took 2 hours to put 4 screws in. No room to work!
R.P.Muise 1994 Breakaway/Cummins 5.9/Allison transmission/Spartan Chassis
08-20-2014, 08:23 PM
Doug SmileyMoose Jaw NB???
_________________________
The 82 MCC {by Barth}
is not an rv--
it is a Motor Coach!!