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Old 20-01-2015, 13:45   #1
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Generator Starter Problem

I have a Koeler genny and it hasn't been used in several months after storage. It will not start, just a clicking sounnd.. Someone mentioned it could just need a tap with a hammer to jolt it loose. Can anyone tell me where the starter would be, I don't have a manual.
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Old 20-01-2015, 14:33   #2
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re: Generator Starter Problem

I don't know where it is, but it will be at the end of the big 12V wire.
Most likely a loose ground though


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Old 20-01-2015, 15:01   #3
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re: Generator Starter Problem

After sitting for any length of time the electrical connections may have corroded. Short of doing a voltage drop test you should clean the connections relating to the starting circuit.
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Old 20-01-2015, 15:10   #4
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re: Generator Starter Problem

Or maybe charge the battery? Do you know where that is?
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Old 20-01-2015, 15:18   #5
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re: Generator Starter Problem

the starter is on the side of the engine under the heat exchanger........but a tap with a hammer around live electrical terminals that you cant see isn't a great idea.
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Old 20-01-2015, 15:30   #6
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re: Generator Starter Problem

if it's been sitting for months I would check the gen battery voltage at battery and at starter.


many boats don't have chargers on the gen battery.
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Old 20-01-2015, 15:38   #7
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re: Generator Starter Problem

Does the clicking sound only happen once when you hit the starter or does it rapidly click?
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Old 20-01-2015, 16:07   #8
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re: Generator Starter Problem

The picture is a bit fuzzy on my phone but I don't see it on the side you're showing us, so you need to look on the other side.

The hammer thing might work, I've used it in the past, but a healthy starting system should not require a hammer. Have the actual problem diagnosed and repaired accordingly.

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Old 20-01-2015, 16:15   #9
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re: Generator Starter Problem

Tapping a starter with a hammer is like filing breaker points... not much need for either in modern engines
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Old 20-01-2015, 16:38   #10
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re: Generator Starter Problem

The battery was charged and yes the clicking sound was fast. The contacts are clean that is why I thought since it hasn't been used much in the last several months it may need a wake up call.
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Old 20-01-2015, 16:43   #11
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re: Generator Starter Problem

Fast clicking usually means either a dead battery or loose / dirty connections.
Respectfully if you don't know how to find the starter, maybe you shouldn't hit it with a hammer.
The impact adjustment helps if there is a bad spot on the armature, or maybe a stuck brush, but I'm still betting a loose or corroded connection as you said the battery is charged


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Old 20-01-2015, 16:52   #12
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re: Generator Starter Problem

Will go over connections once again.
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Old 20-01-2015, 17:47   #13
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re: Generator Starter Problem

If yours is like our Kohler, it has several "kill switches" for oil pressure, temperature, etc. This can get disconnected. Just a wire. for each of them.

Also, make sure the fuel solenoid is working correctly. In a marine environment, they tend to stick. As I recall, on ours, if it's not open, it won't even crank, but I'm not sure.
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Old 23-01-2015, 21:08   #14
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re: Generator Starter Problem

The clicking is from the starter solenoid trying to engage the high amp contacts but isn't getting enough power to fully engage. It could be anything from in the path from the battery to the starter and back thru the ground. It's most likely a corroded connection. Also check the ground connections. It could be a bad solenoid, bad battery or cables. I have opened up marine cables and found green corrosion several feet from the connection. There is a way to bypass the solenoid, but after reading the hammer stuff, I think you should leave the hammer to a mechanic.
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Old 23-01-2015, 21:13   #15
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re: Generator Starter Problem

Quote:
Originally Posted by edbulmer View Post
I have a Koeler genny and it hasn't been used in several months after storage. It will not start, just a clicking sounnd.. Someone mentioned it could just need a tap with a hammer to jolt it loose. Can anyone tell me where the starter would be, I don't have a manual.
Follow the positive battery cable from the battery to the genney. It should hook up to the starter motor.
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