Generator won't stay running.

Check the manual for your generator. It most likely contains trouble shooting steps for various symptoms.

Look at the "engine starts but does not run" sector.

In my manual for a diesel engine:

Be sure fuel is above 1/4 tank full.
Disconnect the remote wiring from generator.
Check oil level.
Check coolant level.
Test oil pressure switch
Check fuel shutdown solenoid function.
Check water temperature switch

The manual is much more descriptive.

midnightsadie wrote:
you do have more than a quarter tank of fuel? most gens won,t run if the main fuel tank is low. safety thing.

Well it's supposed to be 1/4 tank but mine seems to stop when the main gas gauge is just a bit below half.

And another wild thought:
Be sure that everything that will load the generator is OFF before you start it......as much as possible.

Also most generators hate old stale gas. Had the same problem one time going through Vegas in the summer (104 deg) couldn't get the gen. to run after about 3 tanks of fresh fuel it ran like a new one. And yes I had an additive in it but the gas was still a year old.Sometimes fresh gas will fix them right up. So if your having trouble with your genny try it, it may just fix the running problem....Stabil works for about 6 months after that your just running on luck...

What is the error code? When the unit shuts down the switch will blink. If it starts with a 3 it is way better than a two blink. So, after the first digit (blinks) press stop for a second or two and it will blink out the second digit. That will tell you what's wrong.

My genset recently started doing the same thing and blinked a code 36 which says to check fuel level, for air in the lines or a clogged fuel filter. I checked my service records and realized that I hadn't changed the fuel filter for a couple of years. Changed it and the air filter and it now runs great.

Wildflower,
Just wondering, what year/make/model/engine of coach which, MIGHT tell us what kind of generator/fuel type etc. which, MIGHT help us more accurately answer your issue.
Scott

Check the air filter. A clogged filter kept ours from running longer than 10-15 seconds at a time.

If its water cooled, its possible the coolant level is low. Mine was doing the same things and it was just overheating and the sensor would shut it off. Or could be the belt that runs the pump causing the same issue.

What kind/model # Is a Kohler by chance? I had a problem with mine one time where the 12 line to the ignition coil would not stay there after it would start. Wound up being a relay inside the generator panel

you do have more than a quarter tank of fuel? most gens won,t run if the main fuel tank is low. safety thing.

DID you check the oil?
tap the area of the motor where the oil pressure send switch is?
Use the troubleshooting guide?