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Kohler 20RESA - User Manual

Kohler 20RESA
172 pages
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Residential/Commercial Generator Sets
Models:
14RESA/RESAL
20RESA/RESAL
20RESB
20RESC/RESCL
20RESD
Controllers:
RDC2 Controller
DC2 Controller
TP-6805 8/15b
Service

Table of Contents

Other manuals for Kohler 20RESA

Questions and Answers

  • T
    Thomas FletcherAug 20, 2025
    How to troubleshoot inadequate fuel supply in Kohler Portable Generator?
    • E
      Erica ColeAug 20, 2025
      Check for damaged primary or secondary fuel regulators, loose connections to the fuel solenoid valve, a damaged or closed fuel shutoff valve, an empty LP fuel tank, or other problems with the fuel supply. Check the fuel supply pressure to the generator set.
  • G
    Gregory GonzalesAug 22, 2025
    How to fix no AC output on my Kohler 20RESA?
    • H
      Heidi ReyesAug 22, 2025
      If your Kohler Portable Generator has no AC output, check if the line circuit breaker is in the OFF position and switch it to the ON position. Also, reduce the load on the generator if the circuit breaker is tripping due to an overload. If the line circuit breaker is tripping because of a short circuit or if the auxiliary winding circuit breaker tripped, contact an authorized Kohler distributor/dealer for service. If the auxiliary winding circuit breaker trips repeatedly after you reset it (it is located in the controller’s service access area), contact an authorized Kohler distributor/dealer for service.
  • Q
    qortizAug 25, 2025
    What to do if my Kohler 20RESA Portable Generator cranks but won't start?
    • A
      amybeckerAug 25, 2025
      If your Kohler Portable Generator cranks but doesn't start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erratically, try the following: * Clean and/or replace the air cleaner. * Recharge or replace the battery if it's weak or dead. * Clean and tighten the battery connections if they are poor. * Check the spark plug wires to ensure they are properly connected. * Check for oil leaks and add oil if the level is low. * Check the fuel supply and valves to ensure sufficient fuel pressure. If these steps don't resolve the issue, contact an authorized Kohler distributor/dealer, as it may indicate an engine malfunction.
  • J
    joseph49Aug 28, 2025
    How to troubleshoot a Kohler 20RESA that won't crank?
    • J
      Jimmy ParrishAug 28, 2025
      If your Kohler Portable Generator doesn't crank, the following could be the reasons: * A weak or dead battery: Recharge or replace the battery. * Reversed or poor battery connections: Check the connections. * A fault shutdown: Check the controller display for fault messages, correct the fault condition, and reset the controller. * The generator set being in the OFF mode: Press the RUN button to start the engine or press AUTO to allow remote starting.
  • R
    Robert TravisAug 29, 2025
    What causes low output voltage on my Kohler 20RESA Portable Generator?
    • B
      Brandi MillerAug 29, 2025
      Low output or excessive voltage drop in your Kohler Portable Generator is often caused by the generator set being overloaded. Reduce the load to resolve this issue.
  • L
    Laura MccoyAug 31, 2025
    Why is the controller display off on my Kohler 20RESA Portable Generator?
    • M
      Mary TerryAug 31, 2025
      The controller display on your Kohler Portable Generator might be off due to low or no battery voltage. Check the connections and the generator set battery.
  • A
    allen62Sep 2, 2025
    Why is the backlight off on my Kohler Portable Generator's controller display?
    • E
      Evan RamosSep 2, 2025
      The backlight on the controller display of your Kohler Portable Generator turns off after about 1 minute of inactivity. The backlight will turn on when a button is pressed or the generator set starts.
  • C
    Chad HowardSep 6, 2025
    What to do if the breaker will not close in RUN on my Kohler 20RESA Portable Generator?
    • J
      Jacob OrtegaSep 6, 2025
      If the breaker won't close in RUN on your Kohler Portable Generator, it could be due to: another breaker being closed (stop the other generator set), auto-discovery not being complete (initiate auto-discovery by ensuring this generator is in RUN mode and the other is stopped with the controller in OFF mode), or bus sensing not being connected correctly (check wiring between both generators and the Automatic Paralleling Module).
  • P
    perezmichelleSep 8, 2025
    Why does SiteTech indicate that both engines are under load, but the ATS has not transferred on my Kohler 20RESA Portable Generator?
    • J
      John DaySep 8, 2025
      If SiteTech indicates that both engines are under load but the ATS hasn't transferred on your Kohler Portable Generator, it could be due to the metering on either generator being backwards. To fix this, select a different model number for the affected generator, then re-select the correct model number. This clears the CT direction flag and allows the generators to re-determine CT direction.
  • D
    David CollierSep 9, 2025
    Why does my Kohler Portable Generator experience Main Power Overload Shutdown?
    • C
      Courtney JonesSep 10, 2025
      The Main Power Overload Shutdown is caused by an overcurrent condition on the DC power supply circuit. Check the crank, run, and flash relay circuits for short circuits. To address nuisance shutdowns, update the controller firmware to version 6.7 or higher.

Summary

Service

Safety Precautions and Instructions

Important Safety Instructions

Provides critical safety information and instructions for operating and maintaining equipment.

Accidental Starting Hazards

Details risks and procedures to prevent accidental generator set startup.

Battery Safety and Handling

Covers hazards associated with battery acid and explosion risks.

Engine Backfire and Fire Hazards

Warns about fire risks from fuel systems and engine backfire.

Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Explains the dangers of carbon monoxide and its symptoms.

Fuel System Safety

Highlights safety precautions for handling fuels and preventing leaks.

Hazardous Voltage and Moving Parts

Covers dangers from high voltage and moving components during operation.

Electrical Grounding Safety

Details safety procedures for grounding electrical equipment to prevent electrocution.

Hot Parts Safety

Warns about hazards from hot engine and exhaust system components.

Service Assistance and Support

Service Contact Information

Provides contact details for obtaining service and support.

Section 1: Specifications

Section 2: Scheduled Maintenance

Scheduled Maintenance Safety Warnings

Highlights safety precautions before performing maintenance.

Accidental Starting During Maintenance

Details hazards and procedures to prevent accidental startup during maintenance.

Hazardous Voltage During Maintenance

Warns about electrical hazards during maintenance procedures.

Hot Components During Maintenance

Advises caution regarding hot engine and exhaust system parts.

Fuel System Fire Risk

Warns about fire hazards associated with the fuel system.

Routine Maintenance Procedures

Guides on performing routine maintenance based on schedules and runtime.

Generator Set Service Schedule

Outlines maintenance tasks and intervals for the generator set.

Lubrication System Maintenance

Covers lubrication system maintenance procedures.

Engine Oil Change Procedure

Provides step-by-step instructions for changing the engine oil.

Air Cleaner Service Procedures

Covers air cleaner service and replacement procedures.

Air Intake and Exhaust System Maintenance

Covers maintenance of the air intake and exhaust systems.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Details carbon monoxide hazards and detector recommendations.

Battery Maintenance and Safety

Covers battery maintenance, safety, and handling procedures.

Section 3: Generator Reconnection

Generator Reconnection Safety Warnings

Covers hazards associated with accidental starting and hazardous voltage.

Section 4: Controller

Controller Parameters Overview

Lists adjustable and read-only controller parameters.

Genset System Configuration Parameters

Details parameters for configuring genset system voltage, frequency, and language.

Genset Protection Parameters

Covers parameters for generator protection and shutdown conditions.

Engine Protection Parameters

Details parameters for engine protection and shutdown conditions.

Generator Protection Parameters

Lists parameters for generator protection and fault conditions.

Controller Firmware Management

Instructions for checking and updating controller firmware versions.

Controller Replacement Procedure

Step-by-step guide for replacing the generator set controller.

Controller Replacement Safety Warnings

Covers hazards related to accidental starting and hazardous voltage during replacement.

Controller Setup Procedures

Guides on setting up the controller after installation or replacement.

Voltage Calibration Procedures

Explains how to calibrate the generator output voltage.

Voltage Calibration Safety Warnings

Covers hazards related to hazardous voltage and short circuits during calibration.

RDC2 Voltage Calibration Using Keypad

Step-by-step guide for calibrating voltage using the RDC2 controller keypad.

Voltage Calibration Using SiteTech Software

Instructions for calibrating voltage using SiteTech software.

Section 5: Troubleshooting

Initial Troubleshooting Checks

Recommends basic checks before proceeding with advanced troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting Fuel Supply Issues

Guides on identifying and resolving fuel supply problems.

Troubleshooting Fault Shutdowns

Explains how to check and interpret fault messages on the controller.

Emergency Stop Button Operation

Explains the operation and reset procedure for the emergency stop button.

Thermostat Fault Troubleshooting

Details how to troubleshoot and reset the generator set enclosure thermostat.

Thermostat Reset Safety Precautions

Covers hazards related to hazardous voltage and accidental starting.

Fuel System Troubleshooting

Guides on troubleshooting fuel system problems, focusing on pressure and regulators.

Troubleshooting Engine Hunting (20 kW Models)

Provides a sequence to diagnose and resolve engine hunting issues.

Engine Hunting Troubleshooting Safety

Covers hazards related to voltage, moving parts, and hot components.

Engine Hunting Troubleshooting Steps

Continues the troubleshooting sequence for engine hunting issues.

Engine Hunting Troubleshooting Steps (Continued)

Continues the troubleshooting sequence for engine hunting issues.

Fault Messages and Descriptions

Lists and explains fault messages displayed by the RDC2 controller.

Additional Fault Messages

Lists and explains more fault messages and their corresponding checks.

More Fault Messages and Checks

Lists and explains further fault messages and their corresponding checks.

Final Fault Messages and Checks

Lists and explains the remaining fault messages and their corresponding checks.

Faults Related to Paralleling Systems

Lists warning messages related to automatic paralleling module (APM) operation.

Status Messages Displayed

Lists and explains status messages indicating system status.

More Status Messages

Lists and explains additional status messages indicating system status.

Troubleshooting Chart

Provides a table of problems, causes, tests, and corrective actions.

Troubleshooting Chart - Cranks but Does Not Start

Troubleshooting steps for when the generator cranks but does not start.

Troubleshooting Chart - Starts Hard; Noisy Operation

Troubleshooting steps for hard starting and noisy operation.

Troubleshooting Chart - Stops Suddenly

Troubleshooting steps for when the generator stops suddenly.

Troubleshooting Chart - Erratic Operation; High Output Voltage

Troubleshooting steps for erratic operation and high output voltage.

Troubleshooting Chart - Lacks Power; Low Output Voltage

Troubleshooting steps for lack of power and low output voltage.

Troubleshooting Chart - Low Output Voltage; No Output Voltage

Troubleshooting steps for low output voltage and no output voltage.

Controller Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting tips for controller display and communication issues.

Troubleshooting Load Management

Guides on troubleshooting issues with load management devices.

Load Management Troubleshooting Tables

Tables listing common load management issues and their checks.

Load Management Troubleshooting Tables (Continued)

Continues tables for load management troubleshooting.

Section 6: Component Testing and Adjustment

Alternator Excitation Procedures

Covers procedures for testing alternator excitation.

Alternator Excitation Safety Warnings

Covers hazards related to voltage, moving parts, and short circuits.

Troubleshooting No or Low Voltage Output

Guides on troubleshooting low or no voltage output from the alternator.

Troubleshooting Erratic Voltage Regulation

Explains causes of erratic voltage regulation and troubleshooting steps.

Separate Excitation Procedure

Describes using an external source to excite the generator field for testing.

Performing Separate Excitation Test

Detailed steps for performing the separate excitation test.

Stator Testing Procedures

Instructions for performing continuity and resistance tests on the stator.

Stator Testing Safety Warnings

Covers hazards related to accidental starting, voltage, and short circuits.

Stator Continuity and Resistance Tests

Details how to perform continuity and resistance tests on the stator.

Main Field (Rotor) Testing

Instructions for testing the rotor for continuity, resistance, and shorts.

Rotor Testing Safety Warnings

Covers hazards related to accidental starting, voltage, and grounding.

Rotor Test Procedure

Step-by-step guide for testing the rotor.

Voltage Adjustments

Guides on how to adjust generator voltage.

Voltage Adjustment Safety Warnings

Covers hazards related to voltage, moving parts, and short circuits.

Voltage Regulator Average Voltage Adjustment

Details how the controller regulates output voltage and how to adjust the setpoint.

Governor System Operation and Testing

Explains the governor system and provides procedures for testing.

Initial Governor System Checks

Guides on performing initial checks before adjusting the governor.

Governor System Testing Safety Warnings

Covers hazards related to accidental starting and disabling the generator.

Troubleshooting Hunting and Surging

Provides procedures to diagnose and resolve engine hunting or surging issues.

Hunting;Surging Troubleshooting Safety

Covers hazards related to voltage, moving parts, and hot components.

Governor System Operation Test

Outlines a procedure to test the governor system operation.

Governor System Operation Test Steps

Detailed steps for performing the governor system operation test.

Governor System Operation Test Safety Warnings

Covers hazards related to voltage, moving parts, and engine components.

Stepper Motor, Carburetor, and Linkage Checks

Instructions for checking the stepper motor, carburetor, and linkage.

Frequency Adjustment Procedures

Guides on setting the generator output frequency.

Engine Speed Gain Adjustment for Governor

Instructions for adjusting governor gain to stabilize engine speed.

Engine Speed Adjustment for Governor

Explains how to adjust engine speed using SiteTech for governor testing.

Fault Shutdown Tests

Guides on verifying generator set fault shutdown functions.

Fault Shutdown Test Safety Warnings

Covers hazards related to voltage, moving parts, and hot components.

Controller Fault Shutdown Functions Testing

Tests the controller's programmed fault shutdown functions.

Testing Overspeed and Overfrequency Shutdowns

Procedure to test overspeed and overfrequency shutdown functions.

Testing Low Oil Pressure Shutdown

Procedure to test the low oil pressure shutdown function.

Testing Overcrank Shutdown

Procedure to test the overcrank shutdown function.

Testing Underspeed and Underfrequency Shutdowns

Procedure to test underspeed and underfrequency shutdowns.

Testing Locked Rotor Shutdown

Procedure to test the locked rotor shutdown function.

Testing High Engine Temperature Shutdown

Procedure to test the high engine temperature shutdown.

Fault Shutdown Switches Testing

Guides on testing low oil pressure and high engine temperature shutdown switches.

Temperature Sensor (OTS) Testing

Procedure for testing the temperature sensor resistance.

Low Oil Pressure (LOP) Switch Testing

Procedure for testing the low oil pressure switch.

Fuel System Maintenance

Covers general maintenance of the fuel system.

Fuel System Safety Warnings

Covers fire and explosive fuel vapor hazards.

Fuel Solenoid Valve Testing

Procedure for testing the fuel solenoid valve operation.

Fuel Regulator Testing

Instructions for checking fuel pressure at the secondary regulator.

Fuel Metering Valve Adjustment (14 RESA;RESAL)

Procedure for adjusting fuel metering valves on specific models.

Fuel Metering Valve Adjustment Safety

Covers hazards related to hot engine/exhaust and oxygen sensor usage.

Fuel Mixture Check and Adjustment Procedure

Steps for checking and adjusting fuel mixture using an oxygen sensor.

Fuel Conversion Procedures

Covers procedures for converting generator set fuel types.

Fuel Conversion Safety Warnings

Covers hazards related to accidental starting and explosive fuel vapors.

Fuel Conversion (14 RESA;RESAL with Fuel Block)

Procedure to convert fuel type for models with a fuel block.

Convert NG to LPG (14 RESA;RESAL with Fuel Block)

Detailed steps for converting fuel from Natural Gas to LPG.

Fuel Conversion (14 RESA;RESAL with Fuel Orifice Fittings)

Procedure to convert fuel type for models with fuel orifice fittings.

Convert NG to LPG (14 RESA;RESAL with Fuel Orifice)

Detailed steps for converting fuel from Natural Gas to LPG using orifice fittings.

Convert LPG to Natural Gas

Procedure to convert fuel from LPG to Natural Gas.

Fuel Conversion (20 kW Models)

Procedure to convert fuel type for 20 kW models.

Continuity Checks

Guides on performing continuity checks on various components.

Continuity Checks Safety Warnings

Covers hazards related to voltage, short circuits, and battery disconnection.

Section 7: Disassembly;Reassembly

Disassembly;Reassembly Safety Precautions

Covers hazards related to accidental starting, voltage, fuel vapors, and unbalanced weight.

Connect Battery and Battery Charger

Safety instructions for reconnecting the battery and charger.

Section 8: Wiring Diagrams

Appendix C: General Torque Specifications

Kohler 20RESA Specifications

General IconGeneral
Fuel TypeGasoline / Propane
Power Output20 kW
Voltage120/240 V
Running Watts (Gasoline)18, 000 W
Starting Watts (Gasoline)20, 000 W
Running Watts (Propane)16, 200 W
Starting Watts (Propane)18, 000 W
Noise Level72 dB at 23 feet
Starting SystemElectric
Outlets(1) 120/240V 30A Twist-Lock, (1) 120/240V 50A

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