Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

[Natesms]

I have a Kohler 4.0 generator that keeps shutting down when getting on or off plane. It will run all day no problem as long as the boat is level however once you get it at an angle it shuts down. On plane or off doesn't matter, the genset runs fine. Load or no load doesn't matter, just shuts off when you get on that angle.

I know about the oil shut off sensor. The oil level is spot on. I've also checked the coolant level and it is correct as well. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to solve this? I'm just guessing that the oil sensor is the issue. Is there anything to check or be done there since it runs fine at all other times?

Thanks,
Nate

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

Are you sure it is not a fuel delivery issue? Does it shut off immediately or sputter some before it dies. If it is instantaneous, you are likely correct about the oil level sensor. As I do not know what the mechanism is for that, I wouldn't have an opinion on what to do. Maybe a call to Kohler would shed some light on it.

 

[Natesms]

Re: Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

It does shut off immediately. No sputtering first. The other weird thing it does is only starts on the 2nd try. First push of the button it sort of starts then just stops. 2nd push it always starts right up. Generator cold or warmed up doesn't matter. Just an odd thing.

 

[archangelnot]

Re: Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

Since it is only happening when your boat is changing angles, It could be the carburetor float is allowing too much gas into the carb and flooding out the engine. The oil sensor might do a similar thing as well. Depending upon its location in the engine, changing the angle of the engine might cause all the oil to go to one side of the engine causing the sensor to think there is none there.

If you are able to do so, you might try turning the unit 90 degrees from the way you have it now. That might keep the fluids at the right levels as you are changing angles.

 

[Natesms]

Re: Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

Can't move it around for sure. Way to tight in there.

 

[Natesms]

Re: Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

So the potential of the float issue. It seems odd it doesn't sputter at all just dies, however the theory makes sense. Anyone rebuilt one of those? Are they very difficult? I've rebuilt multiple carbs for trucks over the years but never tackled anything for this small a motor.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

I have seen water buildup in the fuel bowl act like that, when the fuel bowl is on the bottom of the small engine carb. Most smaller engines draw fuel in from the top of the bowl, with the bowl on the bottom of the carb. New fuel coming in will stay on top of any water, but if water has built up then when the carb is at an angle it dies as it draws in water right away. Once righted and actual fuel gets drawn in it starts and runs. Has to be a lot of water, and not have come into bowl all at once. Fuel floats on top and all is ok UNTIL....

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

i would look at the oil system first as thats a instant kill ciruit.

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

Attach a multimeter to the oil sensor output and check to see if it's grounding out when it dies. Or just disconnect the sensor and see if that solves the issue.

 

[Natesms]

Re: Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

To bypass the sensor do I just unhook the wires and leave it open?

Can't put a multimeter on it while she's running. Way to close to the motors to even think about getting down there while she's moving.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

To bypass the sensor do I just unhook the wires and leave it open?

Can't put a multimeter on it while she's running. Way to close to the motors to even think about getting down there while she's moving.

If the wire is a single connector, that would mean when the switch closes it just grounds out the ignition thru the block. So yeah, just unplug it. If the generator does not run, then I would ground the connector.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

I would download the manual on it. It will tell you what the switch does when the engine is running. It also will show the safety cut off circuit. The engine may have two oil switches. one for the gauge or light and one tied into the shutdown circuit along with the water input, and exhaust temp. They have an override that lets the engine start with very low oil pressure. This might be your starting problem also. You can run wires from anything your testing to the dash then put the meter on them underway.

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

Yeah you should figure out what the trigger signal is. I was assuming it was a ground trigger because that's what it usually is, especially for disabling the ignition. It could be a little more sophisticated if your generator is higher-end

 

[Natesms]

Re: Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

Thanks for all the feedback. I did download the manual and read through it last night. My generator is a 95 model and appears that I only have a few safety switches.

After reading comments and other posts, I think I will double check all fluids. Do a quick test with bypassing the oil safety sensor. If that "fixes" it, I will replace the sensor. There were also a few suggestions in the troubleshooting section. If there are any other problems, call in a tech.

Really appreciate all the feed back!

 

[Natesms]

Re: Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

Just a follow up to this. All I had to do was add some oil. The level was dead center on the stick, I poured in just a tiny amount to move it toward the top of the stick (not over full but getting close) and the generator has ran perfect for multiple weekends in rough water at all speeds. I don't know if I even added an 8th a quart, but that little amount took care of my problem.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Generator dies while getting on / coming off plane

Lesson learnt rough waters cause problems ....happy boating