Carver Owners Forum

Does anybody know where I can get help with my Kohler 6.5cz generator. I've tried to reflash it and tried 2 new capacitors and I still don't get any voltage from it.

I assume it runs and just doesn't provide power?
If so, did you check for 120v at the generator itself? You may have an issue with your autochanger over relays.

There is only 8 volts being put out by the generator.

jisster1 wrote:Source of the post There is only 8 volts being put out by the generator.

I believe there has been a few posts like this before....have a look back. What do you mean when you say you reflashed it ......

Have you checked the Rpm of the engine/generator yet.....does it meet the spec....if 3600rpm genny then unloaded around 3700 rpm.

There used to be a guy that was a Kohler repair tech on here, I was hoping he would chime in.

You have already done the 2 easy things, flashing the field and replacing the capacitor. If you are getting 8 volts, that tells me the stator is probably OK. Something is not working in the excitation circuit. Just for fun grab the throttle linkage and race the engine up a bit to see if it begins to output. If not, that leaves the rotating diode board on the end of the rotor as the likely culprit. Looking through the slots at the back end of the stator you can kinda of visually inspect it for obvious faults. Early versions had a big blue capacitor which would fly right off after a while. The only way to really check it is to remove the stator. Back end parts are still available for that rather old unit, engine parts are getting harder to get.

Yes when I rev the motor up I can get 120 to 150 volts out of it. But only 8 at it's design running RPM's

Odd, if it is running at the correct speed no load, minimum 3650 or 63 HZ, then I would still suspect the capacitor even though you changed it already. Try a 25mfd instead of the 20 and see if that helps. I personally like a 22mfd which I get at Graingers and it seems to keep the voltage in the 120-125vac range.

I've tried 2 new capacitors. Why would I get voltage out of it at a high idle and not at the 3650rpm's

If I am getting voltage when I rev the motor does that mean everything is working right except the capacitor?

There is still the possibility of an issue with the rotor or stator but unlikely. Briefly, that unit uses a set of windings in the stator to build up a charge in the capacitor. That voltage is then induced into the rotor and through a rotating diode board to provide DC voltage for the excitation. The capacitor is the weak link and fails usually first. The capacitor is not a Kohler exclusive part, Kohler uses a GE one, but different brands work fine. Make sure you are running at the correct minimum speed.