generator issue

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sfelectric
sfelectric Registered Users, Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 1 ✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
I have a Kohler 20Resl that I can start in manual but once in Auto will not crank. Any key areas to start looking
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,439 admin
    #2
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    Welcome to the forum SFE,

    I can do some very basic diagnosis here (not my specialty)...

    Do you have a detailed manual for the genset and auto start controller? Checking wiring (abraded/broken wires), loose/corroded connections, etc.... Look especially at wiring that may "swing free" and vibrate/stress electrical connections.

    Are there any error codes? Auto start/run have lots of little sensors (low oil, low oil pressure, cranking speed/timeouts/retries, engine temperature, etc. Check battery voltage/connections/wiring... Genset batteries are frequently left alone until something "goes bad". Battery voltage OK? If flooded cell, specific gravity good in all cells, no exposed battery plates...

    Check the ignition coil... If you pull the spark plug cap, you get a good/bright/loud spark that is >1/4 or 1/2 in long? (ignition coils can become "flakey" with heat/time/starting/warming up.

    Have you had any other (intermittent problems before this?

    I assume that manual start works fine (starts quickly, comes up to speed, continues running once set back to auto start?

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #3
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    Since you can manually start it, that would pretty much eliminate mechanical problems, the auto start needs to be setup to start when the batteries are in a low state of charge either by voltage or known capacity via a battery monitoring system. Can you provide information on how your system is set up and what the parameters are?
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