Retired Wrencher 5,959 #1 Posted Saturday at 05:12 PM 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 18,812 #2 Posted Saturday at 05:16 PM (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 Saturday at 05:17 PM by pfrederi Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,959 #3 Posted Saturday at 05:42 PM (edited) Thanks, Paul I’ll look into that. So 20 A would be too high. Edited Saturday at 05:43 PM by Retired Wrencher Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,812 #4 Posted Saturday at 05:49 PM 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 5,959 #5 Posted Saturday at 05:53 PM 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 44,165 #6 Posted Saturday at 06:13 PM (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 Saturday at 06:16 PM by squonk 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,306 #7 Posted Saturday at 06:49 PM 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 9,697 #8 Posted Saturday at 09:15 PM 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 61,081 #9 Posted Sunday at 10:52 AM Use the much more affordable 103990 ignition switch and a solenoid. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
