Emergency Generators

VitaBene · 02-12-2018, 01:47 PM

Hi, Perform a search. There has been a lot of discussions on this forum regarding generators!

https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums...ght=generators

Cobalt · 02-12-2018, 05:16 PM

I installed a 20kw Kohler generator with a 400 amp transfer switch back in 2001. The unit is power by a water cooled Ford inline 4 cylinder engine. The generator provides emergency power for the house and free standing garage.

The generator performed with only two minor issues over the last 17 years. One was covered by warranty, the other required replacement of an exhaust pipe. I am not sure if water cooled engines are still available in Kohler generators. It was designed to offer power for longer periods of time.

The engine maintains constant temperature by use of a block heater that circulates antifreeze. It cannot be disconnected without setting off a low temp warning tone. It adds approximately $90 a month to the electric bill during the winter months which I consider the units biggest negative.

Good luck with your choice.

TheProfessor · 02-12-2018, 05:32 PM

Do check where the engine is manufactured.

Do check how long that the engine has been manufactured.

Some switch engines continuously therefore parts/repairs if needed may be more difficult or time consuming.

With anything, make sure that there is someone local who can repair if needed.

winnitru · 02-12-2018, 05:48 PM

I hope I’m not hijacking this thread by asking for a recommendation for someone who services generators. Our last servicer told us we were all fixed and in good shape only for our generator to fail New Year’s Day when we had a power failure. We were in FL and are still assessing the damage. Should I have been suspicious when we were never invoiced?

02-12-2018, 05:48 PM	#4
winnitru Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SW FL and Wingate Cove Posts: 53 Thanks: 59 Thanked 14 Times in 10 Posts	Emergency generators I hope I’m not hijacking this thread by asking for a recommendation for someone who services generators. Our last servicer told us we were all fixed and in good shape only for our generator to fail New Year’s Day when we had a power failure. We were in FL and are still assessing the damage. Should I have been suspicious when we were never invoiced?

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02-12-2018, 01:47 PM	#1
VitaBene Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 3,595 Thanks: 1,642 Thanked 1,641 Times in 844 Posts	Hi, Perform a search. There has been a lot of discussions on this forum regarding generators! https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums...ght=generators

02-12-2018, 05:16 PM	#2
Cobalt Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 130 Thanks: 70 Thanked 33 Times in 25 Posts	I installed a 20kw Kohler generator with a 400 amp transfer switch back in 2001. The unit is power by a water cooled Ford inline 4 cylinder engine. The generator provides emergency power for the house and free standing garage. The generator performed with only two minor issues over the last 17 years. One was covered by warranty, the other required replacement of an exhaust pipe. I am not sure if water cooled engines are still available in Kohler generators. It was designed to offer power for longer periods of time. The engine maintains constant temperature by use of a block heater that circulates antifreeze. It cannot be disconnected without setting off a low temp warning tone. It adds approximately $90 a month to the electric bill during the winter months which I consider the units biggest negative. Good luck with your choice.

02-12-2018, 05:32 PM	#3
TheProfessor Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,141 Thanks: 17 Thanked 349 Times in 211 Posts	Do check where the engine is manufactured. Do check how long that the engine has been manufactured. Some switch engines continuously therefore parts/repairs if needed may be more difficult or time consuming. With anything, make sure that there is someone local who can repair if needed.