Kohler generator racing

Wait a minute. Maybe I'm missing something here, but why would you expect a generator to idle? It needs to run at 1800 RPM to generate 60 Hz of AC. If it were 'idling' it would be a problem.

Have you looked for any small springs laying around? Just one of them popping off, or breaking, which I have had happen, will allow the linkage to pull the other way and either speed the engine up, or slow it down. Spring are not painted and they will rust and break. You generator has a few years on it so it may very well be a busted spring.

Here is some tech info.. http://uponrequest.com/Data/Kohler/SB555%205CKMR.pdf

Executive wrote:
Reading the title made me think of NASCAR of generators....:B.

The fact it operated ok after spraying it with WD40 makes me think you've got some gunk etc. where it shouldn't be. Cleaning it thoroughly will most likely get you back up and running correctly. Won't cost you much to do and if you have to take it in, the mechanic will appreciate it....Dennis

Unfortunately my spraying turned out to be a red herring. I sprayed it overnight with PB blaster and the Gen set still races. I am wondering if the fuel pump is not getting enough gas to the carb and the governor is overcompensating for it?

No just a regular old (1996) generator. This is a first time problem.

Reading the title made me think of NASCAR of generators....:B.

The fact it operated ok after spraying it with WD40 makes me think you've got some gunk etc. where it shouldn't be. Cleaning it thoroughly will most likely get you back up and running correctly. Won't cost you much to do and if you have to take it in, the mechanic will appreciate it....Dennis

Can't find much info about that generator on the net.
Is it inverter generator?
Those usually have load switch, that will put it on high idle.

hershey wrote:
Not familiar with a Kohler generator but: My Onan never does go to idle. It has to rev to meet the load. Just a knee jerk evaluation here but: when your first start it, it will probably be under a load just supplying power to the converter which would be charging your batteries.
By idle down, has it always acted this way or is it something new that it has developed? Or is it a new generator experience to you?

It just started last night, my GS held the switch in longer than normal to get it to start when started it just started to race. I shut it down sprayed the governer area with WD40 thinking it would loosed it up. Started it the next morning and it seemed fine so I reassembled the air box went to start it again and it was still racing. So I am baffled.

Not familiar with a Kohler generator but: My Onan never does go to idle. It has to rev to meet the load. Just a knee jerk evaluation here but: when your first start it, it will probably be under a load just supplying power to the converter which would be charging your batteries.
By idle down, has it always acted this way or is it something new that it has developed? Or is it a new generator experience to you?