Generator Alarm Sounds Before Starting

[juggernaut1]

Hopefully someone can help me here.

I have a Kohler 7.3E generator and I'm getting an audible generator alarm as soon as a switch the generator "on" switch on the electrical panel prior to starting. I bought the boat back in April and no alarm was sounding at that time and it progressively became intermittent and in more recent times it constantly comes on as soon as I activate the "on" rocker switch. The LCD systems monitor display in the cockpit shows "generator" but shows nothing more than that. I press the single reset button on the display and it shuts off but then the alarm and warning occurs again.

I have checked all fluids, etc and these are all fine. Rightly or wrongly (my curiosity got the better of me) I have proceeded to start the generator. It starts first time and the alarm stops sounding as soon as it starts. I am getting good waterflow and it charges and runs fine - for hours. Once started the LCD systems displays shows "all systems normal". When I stop the generator the alarm returns until I turn the rocker switch back to off.

I've read all manuals but nothing assists.

Any thoughts?

 

[Fred]

Your system is working as designed.
The alarm signifies no oil pressure and no water pressure.

 

[920richardf]

I'd be more concerned about why the alarm wasn't sounding.

 

[juggernaut1]

Thanks Fred,

So I'm gathering the low water pressure low / oil pressure alarm somehow wasn't working properly when I acquired the boat?

 

[Georgia SeaDawg]

Mine does the same as you described. Once running, the alarm stops.

 

[juggernaut1]

Thanks for the confirmation guys - one less thing to worry about. :smt001

 

[juggernaut1]

I'd be more concerned about why the alarm wasn't sounding.

Hopefully, I don't need to worry.

 

[BostonJake]

Hello. I just happen to stumble onto this thread were as I was concerned about the same issue ( Pre Start Warning Tones ) with the Kohler 7.3E Gen Set. I wasn't sure if mine was operating normal when I heard the same tones. But after reading the prior feedback, I guess it’s normal. I made a small video of starting my Gen set from the cabin. Notice to see if this is the same control panel as yours, and the start sequence as in the video. Also notice when you click the (GEN ENERGIZE) switch if it energizes the Generator (ON) switch at the same time. The light will come on green. The tones will begin. Then attempt to start the Genny. Once the Genny is running the tones will stop. The start/run switch will light up amber. All systems on mine appear to be normal. Watch the video, You may have to turn up the volume to hear the tones a little better. Good luck and I hope this helps. How I found this was because I had bigger issues where the Parker fuel solenoid for the Genny had burned out. Im still trouble shooting that. Good luck

 

[Little Ducky]

Good luck

Just watch out for short bursts of the starter in a row w/o the generator actually starting.

Just press and hold (7 seconds or less noted in my manual) until started to avoid any water ingestion into the motor.

There should be a warning in your owners manual in the "Starting Procedure" section.

 

[juggernaut1]

Yes that's how mine used to sound. No longer makes any sound - I'm guessing my systems monitor is on the fritz.

 

[BostonJake]

Just watch out for short bursts of the starter in a row w/o the generator actually starting.

Just press and hold (7 seconds or less noted in my manual) until started to avoid any water ingestion into the motor.

There should be a warning in your owners manual in the "Starting Procedure" section.

Just watch out for short bursts of the starter in a row w/o the generator actually starting.

Just press and hold (7 seconds or less noted in my manual) until started to avoid any water ingestion into the motor.

There should be a warning in your owners manual in the "Starting Procedure" section.

Yes, you are correct. Was just a short video to help show the alarm and hope to help out with the other boaters problem. Thank you

 

[BostonJake]

Yes that's how mine used to sound. No longer makes any sound - I'm guessing my systems monitor is on the fritz.

Maybe it’s possible. That the alarm tone itself is bad, and not sounding. They should be at the helm, below, under your dash along with the push button fuses.

 

[juggernaut1]

Possible, but IIRC I have "data link failure" on the screen. Think I bump the coax when installing my battery charger.