Kohler 4EF Operation

TP-5985 10/02
25Section 4 TroubleshootingTP-5985 10/02
Section or
Publication
Reference*
Recommended ActionsProbable Causes
Trouble Symptoms
Section or
Publication
Reference*
Recommended ActionsProbable Causes
Excessive or
abnormal noise
High fuel
consumption
Low oil
pressure
Overheats
Lacks power
Stops
suddenly
No or low
output v oltage
Starts hard
Cranks but
does not start
Does not
crank
Electrical System (DC circuits)
x x
Battery connections loose, corroded, or incorrect
Verify that the battery connections are correct, clean, and tight. Section 3
x x
Battery weak or dead Recharge or replace the battery. The spec sheet provides
recommended battery CCA rating.
Section 3, S/S
x x
Engine harness connector(s) not locked tight
Disconnect the engine harness connector(s) then reconnect it to the controller.
W/D
x Fault shutdown Reset the fault switches and troubleshoot the controller. Section 2 x
High exhaust temperature switch inoperative
Replace the inoperative switch. Gen. S/M or W/D
x x Starter/starter solenoid inoperative Replace the starter or starter solenoid. Eng. S/M
x
High water temperature switch inoperative
Replace the inoperative switch. Gen. S/M or W/D
x Faulty ground connection Clean and retighten the connection. —
Engine
x x x x
Air cleaner/backfire flame arrestor clogged
Clean or replace the filter element. Section 2
x x x x x Compression weak
Check the compression.[
Eng. S/M
x x x x x
Engine overload Reduce the electrical load. See the generator set installation
manual for wattage specifications.
I/M
x
Exhaust system leak Inspect the exhaust system. Replace the inoperative exhaust
system components.[
Section 3, I/M
x
Exhaust system not securely installed Inspect the exhaust system. Tighten the loose exhaust system
components.[
Section 3, I/M
x x Valve clearance incorrect
Adjust the valves.[
Eng. S/M
x Vibration excessive Tighten all loose hardware. —
x x x
Ignition system inoperative (gas/gasoline only)
Check the ignition system (ignition module, spark plugs, spark plug wires, etc.).
Eng. O/M
* Sec./Section—numbered section of this manual; ATS—Automatic Transfer Switch; Eng.—Engine; Gen.—Generator Set; I/M—Installation Manual; O/M—Operation Manual; S/M—Service Manual;
S/S—Spec Sheet; W/D—Wiring Diagram
[ Have an authorized service distributor/dealer perform this service.

Kohler 4EF Specifications

General

Brand	Kohler
Model	4EF
Category	Portable Generator
Language	English