290 Sundancer Kohler 4ESZ Generator Cutting Off

[Herrickjde]

I have a 1998 290 Sundancer with the original Kohler 4KVA Model 4ESZ and it will start and run for about a minute and shut off. When the generator is running it is pumping water out the exhaust even though I checked the through hull strainer and impeller both good. I also changed the oil filter looking fuel water filter and there was no water in the gas. I did talk to my generator repair person, but they are 3 months backed up and now I am down to fuel pump or condenser. BTW there is coolant in the sealed side and reservoir tank. I don't want to wait 3 months to fix this, but I don't want to start replacing parts that are ok either. There is a tiny fuel filter attached to the fuel assembly that I have not changed, but since there was no water in the gas I did not think I needed to. History; This generator was professionally refurbished Dec 2019

 

[Wanderer 290]

Check the voltage output with a multi meter during the first minute. The voltage regulator will cause a shutdown. Note: starting or shutting down the genny with a load will toast the voltage regulator.
Possible Pcb failure also. There is a trouble shooting tree in the manual for that. There is a sequence of red leds that illuminate and can be observed by removing the top cover of the control box.
Finally there are sensors that will falsely cause a shutdown. Oil pressure, coolant temp and exhaust temp. They can be disconnected one by one to avoid shutting down the genny.
Given the 1 minute run and shutdown if it is a sensor the oil pressure sensor would be the likely culprit assuming the engine has sufficient oil pressure.

The goal is to diagnose the problem.

 

[Little Ducky]

Do you have the manual? Please download from the below link in my signature for 98 290 related hardware.

Try this:
When the generator starts will it remain running if you keep the start switch pressed?
This by-passes a few sensors that might be shutting the generator down.
If it continues to run you will have to figure out which sensor went bad.

What weight of oil are you using?

 

[Little Ducky]

Any updates?

What was the fix?

 

[Herrickjde]

Any updates?

What was the fix?

I am embarrassed to say it needed oil I added 1/2 a quart problem solved. So you were right about a sensor it was the oil sensor really works

 

[Little Ducky]

I am embarrassed to say it needed oil I added 1/2 a quart problem solved. So you were right about a sensor it was the oil sensor really works

I'm glad it was that simple.