Had a Generac part failure today

[z71bill]

Im 3 years into a 20K Kohler RESC Unit.

So far over 100 power outages (30 a year average here) worst anywhere I've ever lived by far.

Zero mechanical issues - one electronic issue.
End of last year It failed to power down after an outage - made the call - guy came out and one wire had backed out of a terminal.

Since it was under warranty I made the call guy was out in 2 hours.

If I had been on my own and pulled the cover I'd have spotted it in an instant.

Where do you live Ukraine?

 

[Owen Lucas]

On my 16 kw Generac standby generator, today we had a 100 minute power outage, but my unit did not come on. Error message: low oil pressure. Oil level seemed unusually low, so I added about a half quart. When I did a manual start, oil spewed out of the oil pressure sensor switch. Apparently a common poorly made or designed part. I was able to run the generator by disconnecting the two sensor leads, installing a brass plug and running it in Manual mode. Naturally the power quickly returned. Got a replacement sensor late in the day for $27. Too hot this afternoon. I'll install it tomorrow.

How old in your unit?

 

[NormanBuntz]

How old in your unit?

6 years. Installed May 2019.

 

[UncleDave]

Whenever the power goes out here, so to does the internet. I assume there is some sort of powered hub within the sub that gets knocked out also.

The signal to the cable modem stays powered from a backed up source thats good for about 8 hours - If that window gets blown - I have to revert to cell coverage.

Where do you live Ukraine?

It feels like it from a power perspective.

I live in Northern California in the foothills of the Sierra mountains.

PGE is the provider, and I really like the guys on the ground, it's the guys in the offices I have issue with.

 

[UncleDave]

I think a lot of Generac models are consumer grade. Made to sell at a price point. When you get to water cooled and 1800 RPM you are getting into quality generators.

I agree the water cooled stuff from everyone is a big step up from the air cooled units. Im still mad at myself I didnt stretch further, but at the time of purchase I was also doing 2 roof and solar.

Comparing the air cooled 20KW 1000CC range the Kohler requires less maintenance than the generacs when I did my shopping.

The Kohler has hydraulic lifters, the generac (when I was shopping) called for 100 hour checks and or adjustments.

Although rated within 1AH continuous of one another for some reason the Kohler also has a higher surge rating (41 vs 32-35) and can reliably start 2x 5 ton AC's not that Id do that but I do have high startup loads with multiple pumps so the Kohler offered a bit more overhead.