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New project - 1960s era Kohler generator


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Posted

My next project.

A while back I picked up a '60s era Kohler generator rated for 6.5kva. It was in pretty bad shape when I got it and sitting in my shed for a few years didn't help it any I'm sure, but I've decided I want to see what I can do with it.
Interesting things about the L600 inline 4-cylinder for use as a generator are that it runs at 1800rpm and it's liquid cooled. In theory this should mean that it can run quieter than a more modern (non-inverter) generator. It also uses the generator has itself as a starter motor.

If I can get it running I'm probably going to use it as a backup power source for my home - I need to see how practical it is.

Right now it has no spark and the fuel pump is missing pieces so it has no fuel either. When hooked to a battery it turned over freely, had compression, and showed good oil pressure on the gauge.

Current state: degreasing and getting years of crud and funk cleaned up so that I can begin working on it. I didn't think to take pics before I started cleaning - these are after an hour of spraying engine degreaser and scrubbing.

ugyhupyv.jpg

5ene2ypy.jpg

  • Like 1
Posted

Back in the late '70's i performed preventive mx on them. We had them housed in sheds and we'd run them once a month. They were manual switch over at 

time and you peeked inside the door before going in as they sometimes tossed ball lightning at ya. 

 

It's probably run fine when you get it up.

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