Kohler Generator

The hold-down switch probably bypasses the oil failure switch until pressure has time to build.

You say no sound. Is the engine turning over? If not, probably low battery.

Your generator manual may describe "flashing the field" to restore residual magnetism. Because of the long idle time, this makes sense.

Thanks for the reply. About the battery, using two fully charged 12 volt to make 24 volt. Have learned from past experience you are right, if voltage is 23 volts it will not start.

However it has never turned over in the past, no sound at all until it decides to start, then it is all of a sudden nearly at full throttle. Never seen that on anything else, while holding the start switch in it is always a surprise when it starts. Usually 30 to 90 seconds later.

I do not have any kind of manual or schematic to tell me how to "flash the field". I have tried to find something all over the internet but they seem to be available only for newer models. Thanks again for the input.

I didn't see anything specifically for your model, but this website: http://www.smokstak.com/forum/archive/index.php/f-25-p-6.html

seems to have a lot of info on Kohler generators.

Good Luck

Sounds like the button you hold down then wait for the engine to start is for the glow plugs. You do not say how old this unit is, but, older diesel's had glow plugs that were used to fire the diesel until the engine got turning to warm the cylinder heads, then the glow plugs were no longer needed.

Exactly, it's old enough to require a manual preheat step, 60 seconds is about right. If it still doesn't start you need to check that the glow plug and its circuitry is working properly. They do burn out and you'll never get it started.

Thanks guys, on my way to try out the advice.