Retired Wrencher 6,102 #1 Posted September 20 Does anybody have an idea how many amps you need to turn over a 10 hp Kohler with a starter generator? Is it 50 A or more? I found a heavy duty one with 20 apps is that enough? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 19,080 #2 Posted September 20 (edited) The S/G just takes battery amperage to spin the engine. As a generator the old S/Gs only made about 12 amps. They are rated usually on the output. Edited September 20 by pfrederi Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 6,102 #3 Posted September 20 (edited) Thanks, Paul I’ll look into that. So 20 A would be too high. Edited September 20 by Retired Wrencher Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 19,080 #4 Posted September 20 4 minutes ago, Retired Wrencher said: Thanks, Paul I’ll look into that. So 20 A would be too high. Not a problem the regulator (if it is working) will limit the output to what is necessary to charge the battery. If battery was really low a 20 amp genny would just charge it slightly faster than a 12 amp Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 6,102 #5 Posted September 20 Just now, pfrederi said: Not a problem the regulator (if it is working) will limit the output to what is necessary to charge the battery. If battery was really low a 20 amp genny would just charge it slightly faster than a 12 amp I would like to find what out what original switch was for amperage. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 44,741 #6 Posted September 20 (edited) To START an engine you're looking at close to 80 amps to get things rollin and about 50 amps to keep it crankin. I tested an 8 HP on my engine stand with a clamp on ammeter. Charging amps are much less. Stock HD switch without using a solenoid https://wheelhorsepartsandmore.com/product/4988-7263-starter-generator-key-switch/ Edited September 20 by squonk 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,870 #7 Posted September 20 35 minutes ago, squonk said: To START an engine you're looking at close to 80 amps to get things rollin and about 50 amps to keep it crankin. I tested an 8 HP on my engine stand with a clamp on ammeter. Charging amps are much less. This makes perfect sense, thanks! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 10,264 #8 Posted September 20 Best to add a solenoid to take the heavy current out of the switch...... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 62,578 #9 Posted September 21 Use the much more affordable 103990 ignition switch and a solenoid. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
