Kohler generator

[KeithS]

What are you using to check the speed? I find the easiest way is the frequency since my voltmeter is already connected.

[KeithS]

What are you using to check the speed? I usually use frequency since my voltmeter is already connected. RPM is difficult on that model because of the waste spark system, it is firing every revolution and gives false rpm readings.

[jisster1]

How do you use your voltmeter to get the frequency?

[jisster1]

Also it's not a little bit of RPM's that make it produce voltage. Going by ear I would say I need to get it up to about 4000 to 4500 rpm's to get 120 out of it

[bud37]

Source of the post How do you use your voltmeter to get the frequency?

You need a good DVM with a frequency ( HZ ) function available.

[g36]

As mentioned many better dvms have frequency but also you could use other plug in items like the (kill a watt meters) that also read frequency or cheaper version similar to this if you don't want to spend more for another multimeter....https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-Power- ... 890.l49292

[km1125]

Source of the post Also it's not a little bit of RPM's that make it produce voltage. Going by ear I would say I need to get it up to about 4000 to 4500 rpm's to get 120 out of it

I'm glad you clarified this. I was stumped when you said "high idle" and was wondering if you were slowing the engine down from normal speed to get the voltage.

Does this model have brushes? Could you have a worn brush not allowing current to get to the field?

[jisster1]

No it's a brushless generator. I tried again tonight and again if if run the motor at about a half throttle or more I can get 110 volts if I throttle it higher it will put out more volts the minute I let it idle I get only 8 volts.

[tomschauer]

Sounds like maybe you have a governor problem. I would get a tach for a 2 cylinder engine and make sure where you are with the RPM. It really should never "idle". It should always be about 3600 rpm. The governor assembly and spring open the throttle further under load to keep it at 3600+/-.

[jisster1]

It's not a governor problem. I know what a high rpm is. When I rev it up to get volts out of it, it's at least 4000 rpm's to 5000 rpm's. It should not have to run at a high rpm to get power.