Maintenance

Your KOHLER Generator requires annual maintenance to be done, these maintenance are scheduled in Spring Time or Fall depending on your generator purchase time.

What’s included in maintenance? We will come to your house and do annual maintenance on your generator from changing the Oil, Filter, Changing the spark plugs, and adding new fresh oil into the generator, Other Checks that are done on the generator are checking the battery year and voltages, and checking that all the connections are secured on the generator and finalize a test run on the generator to make sure all run smoothly, a transfer test can also be performed during the maintenance if the customer would like one done.

To book your Annual Maintenance you can simply reach by Phone: at (613) 793-1045 or by email at info@generatortechottawa.ca, an online booking feature will be available soon to simply book.

Generator Batteries are recommended to be replaced after 3 years no more than 4 years, after 3 years a battery can start showing signs of failure and can prevent the generator from starting up and powering the house! The battery is checked each Maintenance and you will be reminded of the battery year if the battery is near its replacement or if one should be replaced you will be informed!

Please do not forget to clear the snow around your generator, Your generator cannot breathe under 6 feet of snow, please clear the snow to allow your generator to be able to start and function at its full potential.

Q: How do I manually “power off” the generator set?

A: Open the generator hood or access door and flip the circuit breaker to the “off” position (you’ll find the breaker near the digital controller). This shuts off power to the house (the load). It’s a good idea to run the generator with no load for 2-5 minutes. Then press the “off” button on the controller.

Q: How do I open the generator unit?

A: A large metal key is included in your owner’s packet. Insert and turn the key 45 degrees to open the top hood or side-access door of the generator.

Q: What should I do if the generator is submerged in water?

A: Water and electricity are a very dangerous mix. If you can safely access it, power off the generator. (See FAQ: How do I manually “power off” the generator set?) If it continues to run when submerged, internal damage to both engine and generator will be significant. If you can’t safely access the generator or the main-line disconnect, do not make any attempt to turn it off.

Checking & Refilling Oil

Q: How long can my generator run before I need to check the oil?

A: We recommend checking the oil level after every 8-24 hours of operation, depending on the size and model of the generator. Oil change and filter change frequency and other routine maintenance varies per model, especially during periods of extended power outage. Check the Operation Manual included with your generator for a complete list of required maintenance procedures and schedules.

Q: How do I check the engine oil?

A: 1. Power off the generator and let the engine sit for two minutes to settle the oil. Pull the dipstick from the back of the engine and wipe with a clean rag.

Insert the dipstick back into the dipstick tube and pull it out. Note the cross hatching on the end of the dipstick, from “F” (Full) to “L” (Low), and see where the oil level falls. Add oil if the dipstick indicates that the oil level is low. (See FAQ: What type of oil should I use in my generator?)

2. Locate the yellow oil-access cap on the front of the engine (look for the oil can icon). Add a few ounces of oil, then recheck the oil level by inserting and removing the dipstick. Add oil until the level is near “F.” Do not overfill the engine.

3. When you’re finished adding oil, make sure the dipstick and oil access cap are securely in place. Push the AUTO button to place the generator back in standby mode. If the utility power is still out, the generator will start within three seconds. After the generator starts, move the circuit breaker to the ON position so the generator is now supplying power to the house.

Q: Where is the oil dipstick?

A: The dipstick has a bright yellow ring attached to the end. The location varies by generator, but it’s typically noticeable as soon as you open the access panel or hood.

Q: What type of oil should I use in my generator?

A: Your generator ships with KOHLER Genuine Oil 5W-30 full-synthetic oil, which is the oil Kohler recommends. Although a synthetic blend may be used, our recommendation is full-synthetic oil. However, if you know that the oil has been changed out to conventional oil, then use only conventional oil from that point on. Do not mix synthetic oil with conventional oil.

Q: How much oil does a generator normally use?

A: The amount varies and depends on the engine model, length of time since the last oil change, amount of power the generator is producing and length of the power outage. Check the Operation Manual included with your generator for a complete list of required maintenance procedures and schedules.

Information referred from KOHLER Website