Generator will not stay running

[chefdc1]

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!

[chefdc1]

Yes, it I do get 120V when I hold the switch on.

[chefdc1]

http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/misc/tp5394%205CKMR1.pdf.

this is the manual. Thank you so much.

I'll try grounding in the morning. Thanks again.

[MrWizard]

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

[Chris_Bryant]

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.

[chefdc1]

How do I ground it out?

[Chris_Bryant]

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]

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.

[chefdc1]

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!

[MrWizard]

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]

My apologies for my ignorance, but how do I identify the low oil switch?

[MrWizard]

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]

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?

[DownTheAvenue]

Wizbangdoodle wrote:
I would respectfully disagree Mrwizard. I had a fuel pump that was going bad. It would push some fuel but not enough. It would start and run for 10 seconds to 5 minutes and then stall. If under a load, it would quit immediately. Not saying it isn't one of the other things you mentioned, just something that needs to be eliminated from the equation.

No, Mr. Wizard is correct. The OP says it will run as long as he holds "the switch" down. I am assuming this means leaving the start button depressed after the engine starts. The generator needs both 12 volts and 120 volts to continue to run. If teither is lost for whatever reason, the generator will not run after the start button is not depressed.

[Wizbangdoodle]

I would respectfully disagree Mrwizard. I had a fuel pump that was going bad. It would push some fuel but not enough. It would start and run for 10 seconds to 5 minutes and then stall. If under a load, it would quit immediately. Not saying it isn't one of the other things you mentioned, just something that needs to be eliminated from the equation.