Section 2. Operation; Prestart Checklist; Exercising The Generator - Kohler 15CCO Service Manual

To ensure continued satisfactory operation, the
following items should be checked before each start-up.

Prestart Checklist

OIL LEVEL: Should be at or near full mark (not over).
AIR INLETS: Must be clear and unobstructed.
COMPARTMENT: Interior must be clean. Check the
condition of fuel system, exhaust piping, hoses, and
muffler. If fuel leaks, fumes, exhaust gases, or electrical
sparks are noted, contact a qualified service technician
before operating generator set.
AIR CLEANER: Must be clean and properly installed to
prevent unfiltered air from entering the engine.
ELECTRICAL: All connections (including battery) must
be tight.
FUEL LEVELS: Make sure the fuel tank(s) are full and
the fuel system primed for operation.
DRIVE BELT: Check radiator fan, water pump and
battery-charging belt to make sure it is properly
tensioned and in good condition.
COOLANT LEVEL: If the cooling system is equipped
with a coolant recovery tank, check coolant level (and
refill coolant as necessary) at tank. Maintain level
according to markings on the tank. Coolant level should
be just below the filler neck [approx. 3/4 to 1 1/2 in.
(19.38 mm)] when the engine is cold.
Note: Block heater damage. The block heater will fail
if the energized heater element is not immersed
in coolant. Fill the cooling system before turning
on the block heater. Run the engine until it is
warm, and refill the radiator to purge the air from
the system before energizing the block heater.
TP-5606 6/02

Section 2. Operation

BATTERY: Check connections. Consult the battery
manufacturer's instructions regarding battery care and
maintenance.
OPERATING AREA: Make sure there are no
obstructions that could block the flow of cooling air.
Make sure the area is clean. Rags, tools, or debris must
not be left on or near the generator set.
EXHAUST SYSTEM: Check for exhaust leaks and
blockages. Check the muffler and piping condition and
check for tight exhaust system connections.
Inspect the exhaust system components for cracks and
corrosion (exhaust manifold, exhaust line, exhaust
clamps, and muffler).
D
Check for corroded or broken metal parts and replace
them as needed.
D
Check for loose, corroded, or missing clamps and
hangers. Tighten or replace the exhaust clamps
and/or hangers as needed.
D
Check that the exhaust outlet is unobstructed.
D
Check the exhaust gas color. If the exhaust is blue or
black, contact your local distributor/dealer.
D
Visually inspect for exhaust leaks. Check for carbon
or soot residue on exhaust components. Carbon and
soot residue indicates an exhaust leak. Seal leaks as
needed.
D
Ensure that the carbon monoxide detector is (1) in the
vehicle, (2) functional, and (3) energized whenever
the generator set operates.
Note: Never operate the generator set without a
functioning carbon monoxide detector.

Exercising the Generator

Run the generator set once a week for one hour (under
load). The operator should be in attendance during this
period. Be sure to make all "Prestart Checks" before
starting the exercise procedure. Start the generator set
according to the procedure given for the generator
controller.
Operation 2-1