I have a Kohler Confidant 4 Generator in a 1997 (Ford V10) Damon Hornet Class C. The gen will not stay running. I have plenty of gas. Oil is full (could probably be changed). Spark plug is fine. It will start, but wont stay running. If I hold the switch on (either in the coach or on the gen) it will stay running but quits when I let go.Any ideas?Thanks!

Sounds like a fuel pump going bad. You could rig up a small container to gravity feed the generator and see if it stays running.

My genset has given me problems throughout the years. They have included:Inability to start or stay on when it is very cold.Didn't start at all due to a bad fuel pump.Didn't start due to being at 3/4 or less of a tank of gas.Wouldn't start due to bad plug or oil, which was solved by taking it in for a major service.I did read recently on another forum about someone whose genset would cut off intermittently due to the voltage regulator being bad.Best of luck in your quest.

I would suggest a dirty/clogged carburetor jet from sitting with ethanol gas in it.

2oldman wrote:I would suggest a dirty/clogged carburetor jet from sitting with ethanol gas in it. This would be my guess as well.Do you exercise the generator regularly?

I don't exercise it enough. Probably an hour every 3 months.

Generator will not stay running | Good Sam Community

chefdc1
Explorer
Jun 19, 2017
Correct. It will run as long as I hold the switch in the start position. I will try to figure out how to find/ fix/ replace "either the low oil switch or the power signal to the relay that is connected to the low oil switch".
If I was desperate, could I duct tape the switch to hold it on or would this cause damage?
MrWizard
Moderator
Jun 19, 2017
You can test for Low oil switch failure
I unplug the wire from the switch, the wiring is usually external
Then start the generator
If it stays running , it's a bad switch
Kohler confidant discussion on smokestack

Check out the same problem discussion on smokestack forum for small engines generators etc..
chefdc1
Explorer
Jun 19, 2017
My apologies for my ignorance, but how do I identify the low oil switch?
MrWizard
Moderator
Jun 19, 2017
Do you have the manual?
The switch should be screwed into the crank case
There will only be a single wire going to it
The manual should show you the location
If you don't have it, you need to download it
If you have to down load
Look for the Service Manual
chefdc1
Explorer
Jun 19, 2017
I do not have a manual, and cant seem to find it online. I did look at some youtube videos though and I think I'll be able to find it. I will check it out as soon as I get home from work. Thanks for your help MrWizard!
chefdc1
Explorer
Jun 19, 2017
Well, that didn't work. Disconnected low oil pressure switch. Nothing changed. Still ran with switch held on, then quit when i let go of switch.
Chris_Bryant
Explorer II
Jun 19, 2017
Don't just disconnect it- ground it out. I believe the oil pressure switch is closed while running- at least that's the way it is on Onan models.
chefdc1
Explorer
Jun 19, 2017
How do I ground it out?
Chris_Bryant
Explorer II
Jun 19, 2017
Just touch or jumper it to the block. See if either of these manuals applies- http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/misc/tp5014.pdf or http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/misc/tp5394%205CKMR1.pdf.
MrWizard
Moderator
Jun 20, 2017
One question we forgot to ask
Do you have 120v while it is running when you hold the start switch
Use a meter or plug in a light or something
If the voltage regulator has died and it does not create 120v
It won't stay running

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