Kohler Generator use oil

Cpjlube · Nov 29, 2015

I had a Kohler command engine that was using lots of oil. The exhaust valve rocker arm nut was loose. Finally fell off and the engine quit running. That's how I found it.
Adjust the valves.......

check · Nov 29, 2015

charlz said:
I think it was Consumer Reports that had a write up about new cars burning oil... sometimes a quart or two between oil changes. IIRC it was possibly attributed to the use of low viscosity, usually synthetic, oil to help meet mileage standards. check, What type/viscosity of oil are you using in the generator?

I am using Syntec 5-30 synthetic.

check · Nov 29, 2015

Opti-Mist said:
The low oil shut down does interrupt the exercise cycle. Once the oil is replenished the exercise cycle can be reset according to the operating instructions.

Didn't know that! Will check it out, thanks.

check · Nov 29, 2015

Yup. It has always used oil, too fast.

Coyote machine · Nov 29, 2015

As an example, I have a Briggs & Stratton 20kW propane generator that ran 220 hours straight last winter in brutal cold. It used NO oil at all during that timeframe. I also have a Kohler 14kW propane generator just installed at my flip house next door. So I have no data on that particular gen set, but your's should not have sucked that much oil in that low use timeframe. Too bad you didn't have it taken care of while under warranty- BUT maybe if you plead your case to Kohler they can assist in getting it right for you now.

Dave M7040 · Nov 29, 2015

Sometimes if the owner switches to synthetic oil too soon the rings never seat properly and you will get the oil consumption you are experiencing.
What oil are you using?
Dave M7040

Coyote machine · Nov 30, 2015

Dave M7040 said:
Sometimes if the owner switches to synthetic oil too soon the rings never seat properly and you will get the oil consumption you are experiencing.
What oil are you using?
Dave M7040

That's just not the case anymore, if it ever was. Many, many manufacturers supply engines with synthetic oil from the factory; including my Briggs & Stratton 20kW genset from 2009. No oil issues at all.

coobie · Nov 30, 2015

check said:
I am using Syntec 5-30 synthetic.

I have a whole house generic propane 17 kw air cooled engine.I also burn 5w-30 synthetic oil.My gen. ran 24-7 for about 4 days straight last year during a storm used no oil.I did have my valves adjusted at about 50-70 hours.As others have stated might be a good thing to do.

buickanddeere · Nov 30, 2015

Switch to straight 40wt viscosity oil. There are synthetic straight weight motorcyle oils on the market.

check · Nov 30, 2015

coobie said:
I have a whole house generic propane 17 kw air cooled engine.I also burn 5w-30 synthetic oil.My gen. ran 24-7 for about 4 days straight last year during a storm used no oil.I did have my valves adjusted at about 50-70 hours.As others have stated might be a good thing to do.

Thanks, coobie - I will check that out. Great suggestions, everyone!