I have the manuals downloaded and I even have the paper copy that came w the genset!
I have read through them a little bit, used them for troubleshooting. I have read about every 803 and 804 genset post on the internet, I have watched every video there is out there about these things....I have been a good student.
I knew more about this generator then most machines before it ever even got to the house.
I learn by doing and researching online, however I take your advice and I appreciate it. I will get more familiar with the manuals
My problem was between the time I got it home and got it hooked up I had so much to learn about this house, the outback, power in general, solar, batteries, etc I had forgotten some about the controls. Life is a good teacher. I have been around generators for many years, diesel engines and equipment, I feel I have a good grip on this machine and its inner workings and controls. I had turned the frequency and voltage dials all the way down thinking that was a good way to start the generator with everything set to off...... whooops! That will give you a overvoltage shut down light or a under voltage circuit interrupt doing that. So you are correct, read the TM's!!
I feel like I have been to war, for the last month I have been eating, breathing and not sleeping all about this power system and genset.
Something about spending way too much money and effort on a generator that may or may not work with our setup, the lives of 6 people depending on me getting it all going and working, just a little pressure.
A huge weight has been lifted.
We are winning!!
THANKS TO YOU GUYS!
Generator has now charged the house twice, it starts and runs like new. We are really really enjoying it! I think it has used a total of 2 gallons of fuel, the generac would have burned up 15-20 gallons of gasoline to do that. The batteries have reached 58.4V which is a full charge, I have NEVER seen over 57.0V with the kohler or generac..... granted some of that was likely the house wiring and some outback settings....
Now I have both solar arrays charging, the diesel genset charging, and the kohler is in the garage.
I found the rear cylinder of the kohler is not firing.......the new spark plug for that cylinder still looks brand new. Might just need an ignition coil?
I will find out!
Oh and the 804B did smoke just a bit at first startup, then it let out some black soot when the house first connected to it, otherwise it cleared right up and now there is very little diesel smoke when it is running.
I installed two brand new group 65 AGM batteries, checked all fluids, topped off the coolant, checked every setting and gave the unit a thorough inspection way before I ever even turned the know to start.
VERY HAPPY with the results............ very happy.
Time for a generator sale!!
Next up is to finish building the new generator stand and shack.... then I have this 1985 Onan 6.0 DJB diesel generator that needs to run... it ran 4 years ago when we moved here, if I can get it running again the neighbor is interested in it. I will likely start a thread on here for that bad boy too....its not a military machine, but it is badass