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Ford VSG-411 (10 kW) / VSG-413 (12 kW) Engine

The Ford VSG-411 (10 kW) / VSG-413 (12 kW) is a 4-cylinder engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Kohler, including the 10C and 12C. It holds 3.3 L (0.9 gal) of oil and 11.8 L (3.1 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Ford VSG-411 (10 kW) / VSG-413 (12 kW)

Part of the Ford VSG411 engine family — 2 variants share parts & fitment.

Cylinders

1800 rpm

Rated speed

3.3 L

Oil capacity

On this pageSpecs Generator sets Maintenance FAQ Service intervals Torque & specs Fluids Procedures Wiring

Engine specifications

Oil capacity	3.3 L
Coolant capacity	11.8 L
Cylinders	4
Rated speed	1800 rpm

Generator sets powered by this engine

Kohler 10C Kohler 12C

Common problems

Overspeed Shutdown
Cause: When engine speed exceeds 70 Hz (2100 rpm) on 50/60 Hz sets, SDR relay normally—-open contacts close to energize K4 relay (LED 4 lights). K4 normally-closed contacts open to deenergize engine components. Unit shuts down.
Low oil pressure (LOP) shutdown
Fix: Check engine oil level, oil pressure and oil pump. Operating oil pressure is approximately 21.7 psi (150 kPa). LOP switch contacts close at oil pressure below 15 psi (103 kPa). See Section 3 (for location), Section 8, and engine service manual.
Unit will not crank
Cause: Weak or dead battery, Reversed or poor battery connections, Defective starter solenoid, Defective starter, Defective start/stop switch (controller or remote), Fuse blown in controller, Open in wiring , terminal pin, foil etc. (P1/P2/P3 connector)
Fix: Recharge or replace battery. Check connections., Test and/or replace solenoid See Section 8 and Section 12., Test function of switch. See Section 8 and Section 12., Replace fuse; if fuse blows again, check circuit and components. See Section 8., Check continuity. See Section 9 and Section 12.
Stops suddenly
Cause: Out of fuel, Air cleaner clogged, Fuse blown in controller, Faulty spark plug(s), High engine temperature (HET) shutdown, Low oil pressure (LOP) shutdown, Overspeed shutdown, Defective fuel valve/fuel regulator (on LP/natural gas systems only), Defective fuel pump **, Vapor lock **, Clogged fuel filter **, Defective fuel solenoid **, Defective ignition system (spark control or ignition coil)
Fix: Replenish Replace element. See Section 3. Replace fuse. See Section 2. Replace fand regap) plug(s). See Section 3 Inspect cooling : system (low coolant level, loose belt, radiator obstructions, etc.). See Section 3. Check engine oil level, oil pressure and oil pump. Operating oil pressure is approximately 21.7 psi (150 kP. At LOP switch contacts close at oil pressure below 15 psi (103 kPa). See Section 3 (for location), Section 8, and engine service manual. Check electronic governor and voltage regulator. See Section 8. Check regulator/valve operation. See Section 3 and Section 8. Check fuel pump operation. See Verify operation with 12 Volts DC applied. Check fuel pressure of 2-3.5 psi (14-24 kPa). See Section 3 and Section 8 for additional information. Check fuel line routing Replace filter. See Section 3. Test and/or replace solenoid. See Section 8. Test and/or replace components. See engine service manual, 'Ignition System-Distributorless'
Start
Cause: Cranks but will not start, Out of fuel, Air cleaner clogged, Defective fuel solenoid **, Defective ignition system (spark control or ignition coil), Faulty spark plugs or loose connections, Defective/misadjusted choke **, Defective fuel pump **, Clogged fuel filter **, Defective fuel regulator/valve (on LP/natural gas systems), Faulty ground (-) connection
Fix: Replenish fuel supply. Clean or replace. See Section 3., Test and/or replace solenoid See Engine Service Manual,”Starting System.”, Test and/or replace components. See engine service manual, |'Ignition System—Distributorless”, Replace (and regap) spark plugs See Section 3, Spark Plugs.”, Replace/readjust choke See Section 3. ”Choke Adjustment” and Section 8., Verify operation with 12 Volts DC applied. Check fuel pressure of 2-3.5 psi (14-24 kPa). See Section 8 for additional info., Replace fuel filter. See Section 3. ”Fuel Filter Service.”, Check regulator/valve operation. See Section 3, 'Straight Gas Fuel System” and Section 8., Clean and retighten
Overheats
Cause: Improper cooling, Air cleaner clogged, Carburetor adjustment incorrect
Fix: Inspect cooling system (low coolant level, loose belt, radiator obstructions, etc.). See Section 3. Replace element. See Section 3. Readjust carburetor. See Section 3.
Operates erratically
Cause: Air cleaner clogged, Dirty fuel filter, Stale or bad fuel, Faulty spark plugs, Carburetor adjustment incorrect, Carburetor choke improperly adjusted, Governor adjustment incorrect, Defective fuel pump **, Carbon build—up in engine, Engine valves not seating properly
Fix: Replace element. See Section 3. Replace filter. See Section 3. Replace fuel Replace (and regap) plugs. See Section 3. Readjust carburetor. See Section 3. Readjust choke. See Section 3. Adjust electronic governor. See Section 8. Verify operation with 12 Volts DC applied. Check fuel pressure of 2-3.5 psi (14-24 kPa). See Section 8 for additional information. Clean cylinder head. See engine service manual. Inspect valves and valve seats. See engine service manual.
No or low AC output on CC/4-lead generators
Cause: Generator field (rotor) may be excited (magnetized) using an outside power source (12 Volt automotive battery). In the separate excitation test, you will be duplicating the role of the voltage regulator in providing excitation current to the rotor. By separately exciting the generator to determine the presence of a faulty voltage regulator, it is possible to determine if a running fault exists in the rotor and/or stator.
No or low AC output
Cause: Generator field (rotor) may be excited (magnetized) using an outside power source (12 Volt automotive battery). In the separate excitation test, you will be duplicating the role of the voltage regulator in providing excitation current to the rotor. By separately exciting the generator to determine the presence of a faulty voltage regulator, it is possible to determine if a running fault exists in the rotor and/or stator.
No generator output
Fix: Separately excite generator. Check AC voltage and stator continuity. See Section 7 and Section 8.
Lacks power
Cause: Air cleaner clogged, Generator overloaded, Bad or stale fuel, Faulty spark plug(s), Carburetor adjustment incorrect, Engine not running at rated rpm, Governor defective or misadjusted, Improper cooling, Choke misadjusted **, Fuel line restriction, Dirty fuel filter **, Defective ignition system (spark control or ignition module), Carbon build-up in engine
Fix: Replace element. See Section 3. Reduce load. See Section 2, 'Line Circuit Breaker.' Replace fuel Replace (and regap) plug(s). See Section 3. Readjust carburetor as described in Section 3. Adjust governor. See Section 8. Test/readjust governor. See Section 8. Inspect cooling system (low coolant level, loose belt, radiator obstructions, etc.). See Section 3. Readjust choke. See Section 3. Inspect fuel lines Replace fuel filter. See Section 3. Test and/or replace. See engine service manual. Clean cylinder head. See engine service manual.
High engine temperature (HET) shutdown
Fix: Attempt start-up. If unit shuts down, remove lead from LOP switch. A successful restart attempt indicates a faulty LOP shutdown switch. LOP contacts close at approximately
High Engine Temperature HET
Engine starts but stops after start switch is released
Cause: Defective controller main circuit board, Engine defective (stuck valves poor compression
Fix: Test circuit board operation as described in Section 8., Repair engine. See engine service manual.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Ford VSG-411 (10 kW) / VSG-413 (12 kW).

Maintenance schedule

Item	Spec	Part #	Interval
Air filter	Clean or replace as needed. See Section 3.	—	400 hr
Fuel filter	Check and replace as needed. See Section 3, 'Fuel Filter Service.'	—	400 hr
Oil filter	Replace as needed.	—	800 hr
Battery	12 Volt battery with a rating of at least 400 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)	—	800 hr
Belt	Adjust belt tension to specifications.	—	800 hr
Coolant	Check and top off as needed. See Section 2, 'Fault Shutdowns.'	—	400 hr
Coolant filter		—
Oil	Use proper viscosity oil. See Section 3, 'Oil Type.'	—	400 hr
Spark plug		—

Pooled from every document that names this exact engine — confirm the interval and part number against your unit's serial number.

Service intervals

Item	Action	Hours	Months	Notes
Air cleaner element	Inspect	100 hr	3 mo
Crankcase vent system breather cap	Clean	100 hr	3 mo
Engine belts	Inspect	100 hr	3 mo	Adjust as needed
Engine oil and filter	Change	100 hr	3 mo
Throttle, governor, and choke linkage	Lubricate	100 hr	3 mo
Air cleaner element	Change	400 hr	6 mo
Cooling system	Inspect	400 hr	6 mo	Inspect hoses, clean radiator exterior
Electrical connections	Check	400 hr	6 mo	Retighten
Generator	Clean	400 hr	6 mo	Blow dust out
Slip rings and brushes	Clean	400 hr	6 mo	CC/4-lead generators only; inspect brushes
Spark plugs	Inspect	400 hr	6 mo	Replace if needed
Valve clearance	Check	400 hr	6 mo	Adjust as needed
Crankcase vent system breather cap	Replace	800 hr	12 mo
Intake manifold bolts	Adjust	800 hr	12 mo	Torque to 12-15 ft lbs (16-20 Nm)
Nuts and bolts	Check	800 hr	12 mo	Tightness
Throttle and governor operation	Check	800 hr	12 mo	Adjust as necessary
Air intake screen	Clean			First service — If equipped; before each start-up
Battery electrolyte level	Check			First service — Before each start-up
Coolant level	Check			First service — Before each start-up
Engine oil level	Check			First service — Before each start-up
Fuel supply	Check			First service — Before each start-up
Gauges	Test			First service — Verify proper operation; before each start-up

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Service specifications

Type	Item	Value	Unit	Condition
Gap	Spark plug gap	0.039	in. (1.0 mm)
Other	Battery specific gravity charge if below	1.215	specific gravity	at 80 deg F (26.7 deg C)
Other	Battery specific gravity fully charged	1.260	specific gravity	at 80 deg F (26.7 deg C)
Other	Carburetor idle mixture screw initial setting	1-3/4 turns out
Other	Controller fuse	10	Amp
Other	Governor throttle rod length	3-7/8	in. (98 mm)
Other	Specific gravity cell difference max	0.01	specific gravity
Other	Time delay before fault shutdown	approx. 5	seconds
Other	Voltage regulator fuse	10	Amp	CC/4-lead models only
Pressure	Engine oil pressure	21.7	psi (150 kPa)
Pressure	LP gas leak test pressure	6-8 ounces (10-14 inches water column)
Pressure	Low oil pressure shutdown	15	psi (103 kPa)
Pressure	Natural gas fuel pressure	at least 5	in. water column
Resistance	Exciter armature resistance	approx. 0.71	ohms
Resistance	Exciter field resistance	approx. 5	ohms	cold
Resistance	Main field resistance	2.5-4.5	ohms	cold
Resistance	Oil pressure sender at 0 psi/kPa	227-257	ohms
Resistance	Oil pressure sender at 100 psi (690 kPa)	21-50	ohms
Resistance	Oil pressure sender at 25 psi (172 kPa)	138-162	ohms
Resistance	Oil pressure sender at 50 psi (345 kPa)	92-114	ohms
Resistance	Oil pressure sender at 75 psi (517 kPa)	50-80	ohms
Resistance	Rotor resistance 10/12CZ	3.5	ohms
Resistance	Rotor resistance 10CC	3-5	ohms
Resistance	Rotor resistance 12CC	2.5-4.5	ohms
Resistance	Stator winding resistance 1-2, 3-4	0.06	ohms
Resistance	Stator winding resistance 33-44	0.06	ohms
Resistance	Stator winding resistance 55-33	1.26	ohms
Resistance	Stator winding resistance B1-B2	0.05	ohms
Resistance	Water temperature sender at 100 deg F (38 deg C)	450	ohms
Resistance	Water temperature sender at 160 deg F (71 deg C)	130	ohms
Resistance	Water temperature sender at 220 deg F (104 deg C)	47	ohms
Speed	Overspeed shutdown	70 Hz (2100 rpm)	Hz (rpm)
Speed	Rated engine speed	1800 (60 Hz); 1500 (50 Hz)	rpm
Temperature	Choke plate setting	within 10 degrees of full open	degrees	at approx. 70 deg F (21 deg C)
Temperature	High engine temperature shutdown	218	deg F (103 deg C)
Torque	Cylinder head tightening	Step 1: 22 ft lbs (30 Nm); Step 2: Turn 90 degrees more; Step 3: Turn 90 degrees more
Torque	Intake manifold bolt torque	12-15	ft lbs (16-20 Nm)
Torque	Spark plug tightening torque	11-15	ft lbs (15-20 Nm)
Valve clearance	Exhaust valve clearance	0.013	in. (0.32 mm)	cold
Valve clearance	Intake valve clearance	0.009	in. (0.22 mm)	cold
Voltage	Voltage adjustment range CC	100-130	Volts
Voltage	Voltage adjustment range CZ	190-270	Volts line-to-line
Voltage	Voltage regulator cut-in frequency 50 Hz	47.5	Hz
Voltage	Voltage regulator cut-in frequency 60 Hz	57.5	Hz

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Recommended fluids

Fluid	Grade	Standard	Ambient	Capacity	Notes
Coolant	50% ethylene glycol / 50% clean softened water		above -37°C	12.4 qts	Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze
Engine oil	API SG	API SG		3.5 qts	with filter
Engine oil	SAE 5W-20		below -12°C		below +10 deg F (-12 deg C)
Engine oil	SAE 5W-30		below -16°C		below +60 deg F (-16 deg C)
Engine oil	SAE 10W		-23°C to 16°C		single viscosity
Engine oil	SAE 10W-30		-23°C to 32°C
Engine oil	SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50		above -23°C		above -10 deg F (-23 deg C)
Engine oil	SAE 20W-20		-12°C to 32°C		single viscosity
Engine oil	SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50		above -7°C		above +20 deg F (-7 deg C)
Engine oil	SAE 30		above 0°C		above +32 deg F (0 deg C)
Engine oil	SAE 40		above 10°C		above +50 deg F (10 deg C)
Fuel	Regular grade unleaded gasoline, octane 87 or higher				Gasohol up to 10% ethanol; methanol up to 5% with cosolvents

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Procedures

Drive Belt Tension Adjustment adjustment

Tools: belt tension gauge

Position belt tension tool on drive belt.
Check tension per tool manufacturer instructions.
Loosen alternator and/or governor mounting and adjusting bolts.
Move component away from engine until correct tension obtained.
Retighten mounting bolts.

Governor Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Do not tamper with -2.5 Hz/Freq terminals during governor adjustment.

Tools: jumper wires, voltmeter

Verify swivel on actuator arm fully threaded and secured.
Adjust throttle rod to approx. 3-7/8 in. (98 mm) between ball joints.
For 50 Hz install jumper across 50/60 Hz terminals; for 60 Hz no jumper.
Install jumper across Gain Change terminals; set gain pot to 3.
Start set, apply full load; adjust gain until actuator stable.
Check battery voltage at governor board + and - terminals: at least 11 V DC.
Check AC voltage at Gen Volt terminal: at least 90 V AC.
If needed, lengthen actuator rod linkage one turn.

Valve Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Do not rotate crankshaft counterclockwise.

Tools: 10 mm socket wrench, feeler gauge, ratchet wrench

Remove rocker arm cover and oil breather cap.
Rotate crankshaft clockwise until No.1 at TDC compression.
Insert feeler gauge between rocker arm and exhaust valve; adjust.
Repeat for intake valve.
Rotate crankshaft 180 degrees clockwise; set No.2.
Rotate 180 degrees; set No.4.
Rotate 180 degrees; set No.3.
Install rocker arm cover; torque screws 3-4 ft lbs (4-5 Nm).

Voltage Regulator Adjustment - CC adjustment

⚠ Heat sink contains high voltage.

Tools: voltmeter, frequency meter, jumper wire

With set off, turn remote rheostat to mid-point.
Turn voltage, Volts/Hz, and stability pots fully counterclockwise.
Start set; rotate voltage pot to desired output voltage.
Rotate stability pot clockwise until minimum light flicker.
Install jumper on governor -2.5Hz/Freq terminals.
Rotate Volts/Hz pot clockwise until voltage begins to drop.
Remove jumper from governor circuit board.
Readjust voltage and stability pots if necessary.

Voltage Regulator Adjustment - CZ adjustment

⚠ Heat sink contains high voltage.

Tools: voltmeter, frequency meter, jumper wire

With set off, turn remote rheostat and stability pots to mid-point.
Turn voltage and Volts/Hz pots fully counterclockwise.
Start set; rotate voltage pot to desired output voltage.
Rotate stability pot clockwise until minimum light flicker.
Install jumper on governor -2.5Hz/Freq terminals.
Rotate Volts/Hz pot clockwise until voltage begins to drop.
Remove jumper from governor circuit board.
Readjust stability and voltage pots if necessary.

Separate Excitation - CC/4-Lead diagnostic

⚠ Hazardous voltage.

Tools: ammeter, 12 V automotive battery

Disconnect all leads from voltage regulator.
Connect ammeter and 12 V battery to positive and negative brush leads.
Record ammeter reading; approx. battery voltage divided by rotor resistance.
Start engine and check ammeter remains stable.
Check AC output across stator leads.
If rotor and stator test good, voltage regulator is likely defective.

Separate Excitation - CZ/12-Lead diagnostic

⚠ Hazardous voltage.

Tools: ammeter, 12 V battery

Disconnect all leads from voltage regulator.
Remove exciter field F1 and F2 leads from TB2.
Connect ammeter in series with F1 and 12 V battery.
Record ammeter reading.
Start engine and check ammeter remains stable.
Check AC output across stator leads.
If rotor and stator test good, voltage regulator is likely defective.

Air Cleaner Service maintenance

⚠ Do not operate with air cleaner removed.

Remove air cleaner element.
Clean all dust and foreign matter from housing.
Install new air cleaner element.
Replace element every 400 hours or 6 months.
Replace more often in dusty conditions.

Cooling System Drain and Refill maintenance

⚠ Allow engine to cool before opening pressure cap.

Close drain plug and petcock.
Fill radiator with recommended coolant mixture.
Operate engine until thermostat opens and upper hose is hot.
Stop engine and add coolant to 3/4 to 1-1/2 in. (19-38 mm) below filler neck.

Oil Change maintenance

⚠ Hot oil can cause burns.

Tools: container, wrench

Place container beneath oil drain plug.
Loosen drain plug; allow oil to drain completely.
Remove oil filter.
Replace drain plug and tighten securely.
Install new oil filter.
Add proper oil to crankcase until dipstick reads safe.

Spark Plug Service maintenance

⚠ Do not overtighten spark plugs.

Tools: feeler gauge, plug wrench, compressed air

Clean area around spark plug with compressed air.
Remove spark plug cap and spark plug.
Inspect plug; replace if insulation cracked or damaged.
Measure gap with feeler gauge.
Adjust gap to 0.039 in. (1.0 mm).
Thread plug by hand until snug.
Tighten to 11-15 ft lbs (15-20 Nm).
Replace spark plug cap.

Generator Disassembly repair

⚠ Accidental starting hazard.

Tools: hoist, screwdriver, wrench

Disconnect battery, negative lead first.
Remove end bracket louvered panel on CZ.
Remove junction box side panels and controller cover.
Disconnect P5 connector, brush leads, stator leads.
Remove support bracket.
Remove voltage regulator on CC.
Raise generator and support.
Remove overbolts and end bracket.

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Voltage reconnection

Voltage	Phase	Connection	Leads	Notes
110	1	LO-L1, LO-L2	LO-L1, LO-L2	50 Hz, 4-lead CFC; jumper lead on line side
110/190	3	4-wire low wye		50 Hz 12-lead CFZ reconnection
110/220	1	3-wire		50 Hz 12-lead CFZ reconnection
110/220	3	4-wire delta		50 Hz 12-lead CFZ reconnection
120	1	LO-L1	LO-L1, LO-L2	60 Hz, 4-lead CC; jumper lead on line side of circuit breaker
120/208	3	4-wire low wye		60 Hz 12-lead CZ reconnection
120/240	1	3-wire		60 Hz 12-lead CZ reconnection
120/240	3	4-wire delta		60 Hz 12-lead CZ reconnection
220	1	LO-L1, LO-L2, L1-L2	LO-L1, LO-L2, L1-L2	50 Hz dual voltage; voltage regulator adjustment may be required
220/380	3	4-wire high wye		50 Hz 12-lead CFZ reconnection
240	1	LO-L1, LO-L2, L1-L2	LO-L1, LO-L2, L1-L2	60 Hz dual voltage; jumper lead not used; L1 and L2 must never be connected together
277/480	3	4-wire high wye		60 Hz 12-lead CZ reconnection

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Parts cataloged across the Ford VSG411 family

Part #	Description	Category
ADV-5720-S	Governor System	Governor system
ADV-5719-S	Ignition System	Ignition system
C6AZ-19554-A	METALLIC PLASTIC FOR REPAIRING SAND HOLES OR POROUS ENGINE CASTINGS	Service part / kit
X-758-1	Generator end bracket bearing, used with end bracket not stamped with the letter 'P'	Service part / kit
X-758-17	Generator end bracket bearing, used with end bracket stamped with the letter 'P'	Service part / kit
224300	2.75 in. (69.85 mm) Water Pump	Pump
224363	2.75 in. (69.85 mm) Water Pump	Pump
224772	3.00 in. (76.20 mm) Water Pump	Pump
326618	3.00 in. (76.20 mm) Water Pump	Pump

Parts cataloged across all variants of this engine family — verify the exact part fits your specific variant and serial number before ordering.

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Ford VSG-411 (10 kW) / VSG-413 (12 kW)?

The Ford VSG-411 (10 kW) / VSG-413 (12 kW) engine has an oil capacity of 3.3 liters.

Which generators use the Ford VSG-411 (10 kW) / VSG-413 (12 kW) engine?

The Ford VSG-411 (10 kW) / VSG-413 (12 kW) powers 2 generator set(s), including Kohler 10C, Kohler 12C.

How often should you change the oil in the Ford VSG-411 (10 kW) / VSG-413 (12 kW)?

The Ford VSG-411 (10 kW) / VSG-413 (12 kW) oil change interval is every 400 hours.

What is a common problem with the Ford VSG-411 (10 kW) / VSG-413 (12 kW) engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Ford VSG-411 (10 kW) / VSG-413 (12 kW) is: Overspeed Shutdown. Cause: When engine speed exceeds 70 Hz (2100 rpm) on 50/60 Hz sets, SDR relay normally—-open contacts close to energize K4 relay (LED 4 lights). K4 normally-closed contacts open to deenergize engine components. Unit shuts down..