Like any other piece of residential or commercial machinery, you should have a plan to “maintain my generator.” Keeping your Kohler generator running at peak performance will help to ensure that it’s ready when you need it and that you’re never left in the dark.
For customers of Premier Generator, it is definitely recommended that you sign up to have your generator professionally maintained. Preventative maintenance ensures your equipment is properly looked after for long-term reliability as well as keeping you in line with any warranty you may have. We always do our best to make sure any possible repairs are covered under warranty and having regular maintenance done helps you ensure we can do that for you.
Kohler Generators provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions to help homeowners ensure their KOHLER generators are ready for severe weather and impending power outages like we see in Massachusetts and New England.
“Maintain my Generator”
Here are a few tips from our service team to help you remember to “maintain my generator.” Please note that these are merely generator maintenance suggestions. It’s very important to service your generator correctly and in a timely manner.
Q: How do I open the Kohler generator enclosure?
A: When you purchased your standby Kohler generator, you get a literature packet that contains the key. Insert the key into the lock and turn it 45° to unlock. Lift the hood.
Q: How do I turn off my Kohler generator?
A: Open the generator enclosure hood. Move the circuit breaker to the OFF position to stop. The circuit breaker is located below the black controller. Once switched OFF, let the Kohler generator run for 2‐5 minutes then press the blue OFF button located on the controller.
Q: How long can my Kohler electric generator run before I need to check the oil?
A: Check the generator oil every 8 hours and change the oil after every 100 hours of use. If this is not possible, at the very least, check the oil every 24 hours. It’s very important that the oil is checked and changed properly in a timely manner to avoid damaging your electrical generator. It’s imperative that you not rely only on the low oil pressure switch (which is very different from a low oil level switch) to shut the machine down. The damage will most likely already be done by the time this occurs.
Q: How much oil will my Kohler generator consume?
A: Since variables such as generator engine hours, generator load, generator model, and other factors influence fuel consumption, there is no standard amount of oil being consumed. As long as you check the oil level and change the oil as instructed then your Kohler generator should be in respectable condition.
Q: What type of oil do I put in the Kohler generator to maintain my generator?
A: We recommend 5W30 Full Synthetic Oil. If that’s not accessible, then you may also use conventional mineral base oil. If the engine has been serviced before and filled with conventional oil, then refill it with conventional. It’s significant not to mix the synthetic and conventional oil. It can damage your engine.
Q: Where is the Kohler Generator dipstick?
A: The dipstick is situated on the back of the engine and has a yellow ring or handle on the end of it.
Q: How do I check the Kohler Generator oil to maintain my generator?
A: After you turn off the Kohler generator, allow the engine to sit for 2 minutes to let the oil settle. To check the oil level, pull the dipstick from the back of the engine, wipe it with a clean rag and place it back into the dipstick tube. Pull the dipstick back out and examine the end of the dipstick. The end of the dipstick has crosshatching between an ‘F’ (full) and an ‘L’(low). The oil level should fall between these two markings. If it is towards the low end, add oil.
To add oil, find the yellow cap (that’s engraved with a picture of an oil can) on the front of the engine. Add a few ounces of oil then check the oil level again by inserting and removing the dipstick. Repeat these steps and continue adding oil until the level is at or near the ‘F’. Do not overfill the engine. If the engine has been serviced before and filled with conventional oil, then refill it with conventional oil and NOT synthetic oil. It’s important not to mix the two oils. Once oil is at a desirable level, start the generator by pressing the AUTO button. After the generator is started, flip the circuit breaker to the ON position and the generator should be supplying power to the house.
Q: What do I do when the water rises above the Kohler generator?
A: If it’s safe to go outside, turn your generator OFF. If you can’t get to your generator and it continues to run while submerged in water, there will most likely be internal damage. There is not much else you can do. Remember, water and electricity can be very dangerous and if the generator is submerged, you will have both conditions.
For immediate assistance or more tips on how to “maintain my generator”, contact Premier Generator in Carver, Massachusetts. Our team of skilled electricians and generator installers serve homes and businesses across Southeastern Massachusetts. Keeping your Kohler generator running at peak performance will help to ensure that you’re never left in the dark.
