Kohler 12.5KW Generator Starts Then Dies - Luxury Coach Lifestyles
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 01-23-2013, 03:54 AM   #1
Twins
Member
 
Twins's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 82
Default Kohler 12.5KW Generator Starts Then Dies

Our Kohler 12.5KW diesel gen has always run great until now. It will take a long time to start than will run for a while about 5min and quits. It sounded like fuel problem and I replaced all filters but that didn't help. Could I have sludge in the tank? The motorhome engine starts & runs just fine. Any Ideas?
__________________

__________________
1977 Newell Classic
Twins is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2013, 01:36 PM   #2
The Newell
Senior Member
 
The Newell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,018
Default

did you run fuel low, or did you run OUT? Running a diesel OUT of fuel is a bad idea. They are not like gas engines, as the fuel pump and injector(s) are at least partially lubed by fuel, and can be damaged if run dry.
When you changed the fuel filter, are you sure you got all the air out of the fuel system? The start hard, run 5 minutes, and quit, sounds like there's still air in there. It sounds like that air is preventing the fueling system from picking enough fuel up out of the tank to keep the filter full, then you get a slug of air, and it shuts down. When you changed filters, are you sure you got it back together air-tight?
__________________

__________________
1976 Newell Classic (Sold)

Home Base: Riverside, CA

If anyone needs my contact info private message me and I will send it to you.

-Joseph-
The Newell is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2013, 02:49 PM   #3
GringoPhil
Senior Member
 
GringoPhil's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Armenia, Wisconsin
Posts: 278
Default

Sometimes the fuel line itself becomes clogged with gunk and needs a good cleaning and or changed.
__________________
1983 Newell Coach
GringoPhil is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2013, 11:47 PM   #4
77newell
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Just North of Detroit, a surprizingly great city
Posts: 380
Default

If it runs longer after changing filters then it very well could be gunk in the tank.

You didn't mention if it restarts the same after it quits. Does it just suddenly quit or does it gradually die. All a diesel needs is air, compression and fuel. My thoughts and that of the other posters is that fuel is going away. A restriction in the fuel supply would tend to make the engine more gradually die and perhaps sputter on the way there. If the safety shutdowns are triggering it I would expect the shutdown to be sudden and complete. It may help to extend the generator so you can see the shutdown solenoid and see if it moves the shutdown control rod at the instant the engine quits.

Did the hard starting begin at the same time as the sudden shutdown?

All the questions when answered help lead to the likely source of the problem.
__________________
Jon and Alie Kabbe
Started with 77 Coach
Now have 39' 93 coach
2007 civic toad
77newell is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-24-2013, 04:04 PM   #5
Gimpy
Member
 
Gimpy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Erie, PA
Posts: 82
Default

How much fuel is currently in your tank? Usually have issues around a 1/4 tank or less when trying to use your generator.
__________________
Gimpy

Franco Filipovic

2001 Newell Coach

Detroit Series 60 HP 500

Allison 6 Speed HD4060
[TABLE="width: 260, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Gimpy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Hey Guys and Gals! Leeann J Introduce Yourself - Welcome Wagon 6 02-04-2013 09:51 PM
1998 Newell Coach For Sale By Owner * Low miles * 2 slide-outs * Exec cond NewellCrazy Coach/Bus Buyer and Seller Exchange 29 01-22-2013 08:52 PM
Ocotillo Wells chockwald Life on the Road | Livin' in Luxury 6 12-07-2008 05:43 PM
Rain and flooding Mikeh Life on the Road | Livin' in Luxury 4 07-06-2007 04:22 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Newell Coach Corporation or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT. The time now is 09:00 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
×