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Kohler 26RCA Generator Set

The Kohler 26RCA is a 24 kW (24 kVA) LPG/Natural Gas standby generator set powered by a Kohler CH1006 engine. It is available at 120/240 V, 120/208 V and 277/480 V, single-phase, 60 Hz and rated 100 A. It holds about 1.9 L (0.5 gal) of oil. Starting uses 1 group-51 battery rated 500 CCA at 12 V. The set measures 1193×660×820 mm (47.0×26.0×32.3 in), weighs about 283 kg (624 lb) and produces 67 dBA at 7 m.

24 kW
Standby
0.999 L
Displacement
1.9 L
Oil capacity
5
Document types

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Typical fuel consumption for 25–30 kW Bi-Fuel (NG/LP) generators →

Compare with other 25–30 kW Bi-Fuel (NG/LP) generators →

Specifications

FuelLPG/Natural Gas
Frequency60.0 Hz
Standby power24 kW
Standby kVA24
ControllerRDC2
Oil capacity1.9 L
Alternator2F8 (2-pole, Class H insulation)
Voltage options120/240 V, 120/208 V, 277/480 V
Phase1/3
Rated current100 A
Power factor1.0
Circuit breaker125 A
Battery group51
Battery cranking500 CCA
Battery voltage12 V
Battery quantity1
Dimensions (L×W×H)1193×660×820 mm
Dry weight283 kg
Sound level67.0 dBA @ 7 m

Engine

Kohler CH1006
Oil capacity1.9 L
Displacement0.999 L
AspirationNatural
Rated speed3600 rpm

Maintenance & consumables

for the Kohler CH1006
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Oil filterCartridge type

Service intervals

20
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Oil level, 14 kW modelsCheck8 hrEvery 8 hours of engine operation
Oil level, 20 kW modelsCheck8 hr
Oil level, 26 kW modelsCheck24 hr
Brushes and collector ringInspect300 hr12 moAuthorized dealer only; Yearly or 300 hours
Wire-cable insulation conditionInspect500 hr36 mo3 years or 500 hours
Air ducts, louversClean12 moYearly
Battery and rack corrosionClean12 moYearly
Battery charger operation, charge rateCheck1 moMonthly
Battery electrolyte level and specific gravityCheck12 moNot necessary for maintenance-free batteries; Yearly
Battery terminals and bootsClean12 moYearly
Control and power wiring connectionsCheck12 moTighten; Yearly
Exhaust insulation, fire hazardsInspect12 moYearly
Flexible fuel lines and connectionsInspect3 moReplace as necessary; Quarterly
Fuel pipingInspect12 moYearly
Generator, visible wear or damageInspect3 moQuarterly
Interior of sound enclosureClean3 moQuarterly
Remote control system, if equippedTest1 moMonthly
Winding insulation resistance readings (Megger)Test36 moAuthorized dealer only, SCR assembly/rectifier and load leads disconnected; 3 years
Wire abrasions where subject to motionCheck6 mo6 months
Wiring visible wear or damageInspect3 moQuarterly

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

17
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
GapSpark plug gap0.76mm (0.030 in.)
OtherBattery wrap length1067 (42)mm (in.)
OtherBattery wrap length864 (34)mm (in.)
OtherHeater wrap rating50Watts
OtherHeater wrap rating65Watts
OtherPlug cord length75 (3)mm (in.)
OtherPower cord length1677 (66)mm (in.)
OtherPower cord length1830 (72)mm (in.)
OtherPower cord length483 (19)mm (in.)
SpeedEngine speed high shutdown115% of normal running speed for >0.3 sec
SpeedEngine speed low shutdown85% of normal running speed for >3 sec
SpeedFrequency regulation steady state0.5%%
TemperatureThermostat off temperature27C (80 F)
TemperatureThermostat on temperature16C (60 F)
TorqueSpark plug24.4-29.8Nm (18-22 ft. lb.)
VoltageBattery charger output13.4 ±2%VDC, max 2.5 A
VoltageVoltage regulation (no-load to full-load)1.0%RMS

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

FluidGradeStandardAmbientCapacityNotes
Engine oilFull Pressure system1.9 LWith filter. Integral oil cooler.
Engine oil10W-50 extended-life synthetic1.9 L (qt.)Premium oil option, 26 kW models, requires fewer oil changes
Engine oil5W-30 or 10W-30 API Service Class SG, SH, or SJ syntheticAPI SG/SH/SJ1.8 L (qt.)14 kW models
Engine oilSynthetic, API Service Class SG or higherAPI SG or higherCheck oil level at or near, not over, full mark on dipstick before operation

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

Fault codes

24
CodeNameMeaningSeverityAction
AC Sens LossAC Sens LossAC sensing lost in Auto mode; generator output AC sensing lost. Detection begins 10 seconds after crank disconnect. Warning after 1 sec if no output detected after crank disconnect; Shutdown after 3 sec if voltage was present and then lost.WarningContact an authorized dealer for service.
ATS ComErrorATS Communication ErrorATS communication error. Warning displayed if ATS interface connection is lost.WarningCheck communication wiring between transfer switch interface board and generator set.
ATS PhaseRotATS Phase RotationATS phase rotation mismatch. Transfer switch phase rotation does not match; ATS will not transfer.WarningCorrect the ATS connection. Refer to the ATS Installation manual, wiring diagrams, and labels on the transfer switch.
Accy PwrOver WarningAccessory Power Overload WarningAn over current fault (short circuit) on the accessory controller power output.WarningContact an authorized dealer for service.
Advanced DiagnosticAdvanced DiagnosticShutdown during the reduced speed portion of an exercise. Event history shows Advanced Diagnostic Active. Engine restarts, runs at full speed for 2 minutes, and stops. Controller returns to AUTO mode.ShutdownIf the generator set does not restart and return to AUTO, check for other faults that prevent generator set operation.
Aux InputAuxiliary InputAn optional customer-connected input is closed (digital input from optional PIM).ShutdownCheck customer-supplied equipment.
Batt Chg FltBattery Charger FaultInput to PIM from an external battery charger (not the built-in battery charger).WarningCheck external battery charger.
Battery CrLo WarningLow Cranking Battery Voltage WarningEngine starting battery voltage falls below 11 VDC for more than 10 seconds. Inhibited during crank cycle. Clears when battery voltage returns to acceptable level.WarningCheck the battery rating and condition. Check the battery charger operation. Charge or replace the battery.
Battery Voltage HighBattery Voltage HighEngine starting battery voltage rises above 16 VDC for more than 10 seconds. Inhibited during crank cycle. Clears when voltage returns to acceptable level.WarningCheck the battery rating and condition. Check the battery charger operation.
Battery Voltage LowBattery Voltage LowEngine starting battery voltage falls below 12.5 VDC for more than 90 seconds when engine not running. Not operative during crank cycle. Clears when voltage returns to acceptable level.WarningCheck the battery rating and condition. Check the battery charger operation. Charge or replace the battery.
Engine Speed HighEngine Speed HighEngine speed exceeds 115% of the normal running speed for more than 0.3 seconds.ShutdownContact an authorized dealer for service.
Engine Speed LowEngine Speed LowEngine speed drops below 85% of the normal running speed for more than 3 seconds.ShutdownReduce the load. Check enclosure thermostat and reset if tripped. Contact an authorized dealer for service.
Exer Not SchExercise Not ScheduledNo exercise is scheduled on the controller.WarningSee the Setting the Exerciser section for instructions to set the exerciser.
Frequency HighFrequency HighGoverned frequency exceeds 110% of the system's frequency setpoint for more than 10 seconds. Active 10 seconds after engine start.ShutdownContact an authorized dealer for service.
Frequency LowFrequency LowGoverned frequency falls below 90% of the system frequency setting for more than 10 seconds, or 1 Hz below setting for more than 60 seconds. Active 10 seconds after engine start.ShutdownReduce the load and restart the generator set. Check enclosure thermostat and reset if tripped. Contact an authorized dealer for service.
Lo Crank VltLow Cranking VoltageBattery voltage dropped below 3.5 VDC during engine cranking.WarningCharge or replace the battery.
Locked RotorLocked RotorNo engine rotation is sensed during cranking. Shuts down 3 seconds after fault is detected.ShutdownCheck the battery. Check for loose connections. Contact an authorized dealer for service.
Low Oil Level or Oil PressureLow Oil Level or Oil PressureOil level switch on the 26 kW indicates low oil level. LOP switch indicates low oil pressure for more than 5 seconds. Active 30 seconds after crank disconnect. Does not protect against low oil level.ShutdownCheck for leaks in the lubrication system. Check the oil level and add oil if low. Check the oil level or oil pressure switch and wiring. If fault persists, do not run the generator set; contact an authorized dealer.
MainPwrOverLMain Power OverloadMain power overload; an over current fault on the controller output (short circuit).ShutdownContact an authorized dealer for service.
Not in AutoNot in AutoThe generator set is not in Automatic (standby) mode. Remote start and stop commands from a transfer switch or remote switch will be ignored.WarningPress AUTO to place the generator set in Automatic mode, when appropriate.
Over CrankOver CrankThree unsuccessful starting attempts.ShutdownCheck the fuel supply, spark plug, and battery. Check for loose connections. Contact an authorized dealer for service.
Spd Sens FltSpeed Sensor FaultEngine speed sensor has failed or engine stalled.ShutdownContact an authorized dealer for service.
Volts L1-L2 HighGenerator Voltage HighOutput voltage exceeds 120% of the system nominal voltage for more than 2 seconds.ShutdownContact an authorized dealer for service.
Volts L1-L2 LowGenerator Voltage LowOutput voltage falls below 80% of the nominal system voltage for more than 10 seconds.ShutdownReduce the load and restart the generator set. Check enclosure thermostat and reset if tripped. Contact an authorized dealer for service.

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

Procedures

12
Resetting the Controller After a Fault Shutdown diagnostic

⚠ Always identify and correct cause of fault before resetting

  1. Press Select to go to Overview menu while fault message is displayed
  2. Press Select again to show active fault message
  3. Press Select; 'Confirm Clear Fault: NO' displayed
  4. Press UP arrow; 'Confirm Clear Fault: YES' displayed
  5. Press Select to clear fault
  6. Press Select to return to overview menu; controller changes to OFF mode
  7. Press AUTO to place generator set in automatic mode
Access the Air Intake Area installation
  1. Unlock and raise the enclosure roof.
  2. Pull the air intake panel up and off its four bushings.
  3. Remove the cover panel over the terminal block to make electrical connections.
  4. After connections complete and battery installed, reinstall panels.
Battery Installation Procedure installation

⚠ Battery acid can cause severe injury or death

⚠ Explosion hazard from battery gases

  1. Ensure starting battery is fully charged before placing in service.
  2. Clean battery posts and/or adapters if necessary.
  3. Install battery post adapters, if needed.
  4. Place battery in the housing.
  5. Connect positive (+) lead to engine starting battery.
  6. Connect negative (-) lead to engine starting battery.
Fuel Conversion from NG to LPG, 14RCA/L (Original Fuel System) installation

⚠ Disconnect battery before working on generator set

⚠ Explosive fuel vapors can cause severe injury or death

Tools: straight-blade screwdriver, gas leak detector

  1. Press OFF button on generator set controller.
  2. Disconnect utility power to the generator.
  3. Disconnect engine starting battery, negative lead first.
  4. Turn off and disconnect the fuel supply.
  5. Remove hose clamp and fuel hose from hose fitting.
  6. Use straight-blade screwdriver to remove NG orifice from hose fitting.
  7. Insert LPG orifice into hose fitting and tighten until snug.
  8. Slide hose onto hose fitting and secure with clamp.
  9. Disconnect ignition timing leads 65 and N3 for LPG.
  10. Connect and turn on the new fuel supply.
  11. Reconnect battery leads, negative lead last.
  12. Reconnect utility power to the generator.
  13. Start generator by pressing RUN button.
  14. Check for leaks using a gas leak detector.
  15. Run generator and check operation; press OFF when done.
Fuel Selection, Revised Fuel System, 14/20/26RCA/L installation

⚠ Explosive fuel vapors can cause severe injury or death

Tools: gas leak detector

  1. Press OFF button on generator set controller.
  2. Disconnect utility power to the generator set.
  3. Disconnect engine starting battery, negative lead first.
  4. Turn off the fuel supply.
  5. For NG, turn selection knob clockwise to UP arrow; for LPG, turn counterclockwise about 1/4 turn.
  6. For NG, connect ignition timing lead 65 to N3; for LPG, disconnect lead 65 from N3.
  7. Connect and turn on fuel supply, ensuring it matches the fuel setting.
  8. Reconnect battery leads, negative lead last.
  9. Reconnect utility power to the generator.
  10. Change fuel type setting on RDC2 controller in Genset System menu.
  11. Start generator by pressing RUN button.
  12. Check for leaks using a gas leak detector.
  13. Run generator and check operation; press OFF when done.
Air Cleaner Service, 14 kW Models maintenance

⚠ Do not operate generator set with air cleaner removed

  1. Press OFF on controller
  2. Disconnect utility power
  3. Disconnect battery negative lead first
  4. Loosen cover retaining knob and remove cover
  5. Remove element cover nut, element cover, and paper element
  6. Replace element if dirty, bent, or damaged (do not wash or use pressurized air)
  7. Check air cleaner base and element cover, replace damaged components
  8. Reinstall element, cover, nut, and cover; secure with knob
  9. Reconnect utility power and battery negative last
Air Cleaner Service, 20/26 kW Models maintenance

⚠ Do not operate generator set with air cleaner removed

  1. Loosen two cover retaining knobs and remove cover
  2. Remove paper element
  3. Replace if dirty, bent, or damaged (do not wash or use pressurized air)
  4. Check air cleaner base, secure and undamaged
  5. Reinstall element flat and properly seated
  6. Install cover and secure with two knobs
Oil Change Procedure maintenance

⚠ Disconnect battery cables before working on generator set, negative lead first

⚠ Do not work on generator set until it cools

Tools: oil filter wrench

  1. Press OFF on controller
  2. Disconnect utility power
  3. Disconnect battery negative lead first
  4. Remove end panels to access oil drain valve/hose
  5. Clean area around dipstick and oil fill cap
  6. Remove drain hose cap and lower into container
  7. Open oil drain valve
  8. Remove dipstick and fill cap, drain completely
  9. Close drain valve, replace hose cap and clip, replace dipstick
  10. Loosen and remove old oil filter, allow to drain (20/26 kW)
  11. Clean gasket sealing surface, oil new filter seal, install new filter
  12. Fill with oil to F mark on dipstick
  13. Reconnect battery negative last, reconnect utility power
  14. Press RUN, run briefly, recheck oil level, check for leaks
  15. Reset the maintenance timer on the controller
Resetting the Maintenance Timer maintenance
  1. From Overview menu, step down to Genset Run Time menu
  2. Press Select, step down to Next Maintenance screen
  3. Press Select
  4. Press Up arrow so 'Reset Maint Timer? Yes' is displayed
  5. Press Select; new interval and date displayed after ~2 minutes
Spark Plug Service maintenance

⚠ Disconnect battery cables before working on generator set

Tools: wire feeler gauge, spark plug socket/torque wrench

  1. Clean area around spark plug base
  2. Remove spark plug and check condition, replace if worn
  3. Check gap with wire feeler gauge, adjust by bending ground electrode
  4. Reinstall spark plug, torque to 24.4-29.8 Nm (18-22 ft. lb.)
Storage Procedure maintenance

⚠ Perform battery storage last

  1. Operate generator set to operating temperature (~15 min), then stop
  2. Drain warm engine oil, refill crankcase, run briefly to distribute, stop
  3. Start generator set, shut off gas supply, run until engine stops, press OFF
  4. Remove spark plugs, pour one tablespoon of oil into each hole, install plugs, ground leads (do not connect), crank 2-3 revolutions
  5. Clean exterior, seal openings with nonabsorbent tape, mask electrical contacts, oil unpainted metal surfaces
  6. Press OFF, disconnect battery negative first, clean battery, store in warm dry location, connect to float/equalize or trickle charger monthly
Resetting the Thermostat repair

⚠ Do not work on the generator set until it cools

  1. Disconnect utility power by opening the building distribution panel breaker
  2. Open enclosure roof and secure with roof stay
  3. Remove air intake panel
  4. Press button on thermostat to reset
  5. Replace air intake panel
  6. Reconnect utility power
  7. Reset fault on controller

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

VoltagePhaseConnectionLeadsNotes
12-volt engine electrical system, single starter motor, negative groundBattery negative to ground terminal on or near starter motor; battery positive to positive terminal on starter solenoidAll generator set models use a negative ground with a 12-volt engine electrical system
Engine start connection for non-RXT transfer switch or remote start/stop switchTerminals 3 and 4 on generator set terminal blockRoute engine start leads through separate conduit from AC power and load leads
RXT transfer switch to generator set terminal block A, B, PWR, COMP10-1 through P10-4 (transfer switch) to A, B, PWR, COM (generator set)Terminal block connections 3 and 4 not used with Model RXT ATS

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

Common questions

What size generator is the Kohler 26RCA?

The Kohler 26RCA is rated 24 kW standby (24.0 kVA).

Which engine powers the Kohler 26RCA?

The Kohler 26RCA is powered by the Kohler CH1006 engine.

What kind of fuel does the Kohler 26RCA run on?

The Kohler 26RCA runs on LPG/Natural Gas.

What is the oil capacity of the Kohler 26RCA?

The Kohler CH1006 engine in the Kohler 26RCA has an oil capacity of 1.9 liters.

What alternator comes on the Kohler 26RCA?

The Kohler 26RCA uses a 2F8 alternator. It has 2 poles. Insulation class H.

Troubleshooting

6

Fault codes

CodeMeaningCause
BusDeadLiveThe bus is measured to be dead when one of the generators is supposed to be supplying voltage to the bus (closed contactor).Bus metering V9A and V9B connections to V9 of paralleling protection harness are connected incorrectly.
BusLiveDeadThe bus is measured to be live when no generators are connected to it (both contactors open).Bus metering V9A and V9B connections to V9 of paralleling protection harness are connected incorrectly.
CfgModelNumThe two generators that are intended to be paralleled have incompatible model numbers.Incorrect configuration of one of the generators. Different generator types. The paralleled generator sets must be the same kW model. (i.e. two 14 kW or two 20 kWor 26 kW models).
CfgSysVoltThe system voltage of the two generators intended to be paralleled is not the same.One of the two generators is incorrectly configured. Intermittent connections on RBUS network wiring.
ConCheckFailFailure to Auto-Discover APM connections.Wires 9A and 9B crossed between the generators. Wires 9A or 9B not connected.
ConNotDetermAPM connection auto-discovery is not complete. This means that the generator does not know which contactor is connected to it.Generators not yet started in RUN with other generator in OFF. See the APM instruction sheet for instructions to perform the auto-discovery procedure.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing. Full Kohler 26RCA troubleshooting guide (18 entries) →

Repair guides

2

Step-by-step procedures compiled from the Kohler service manual for this model.

Parts

2
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
GM119128Maintenance Kit 26RCA, 10W-50 Oil1Maintenance kit Amazon eBay
GM119129Maintenance Kit 26RCA, 5W-30 Oil1Maintenance kit Amazon eBay

Service, wear & replacement parts referenced for this model and its engine — confirm the exact part for your serial number. See the full parts catalog to search and cross-reference.

Fuel consumption

RatingLoadL/hgal/h
Standby25%14.763.9
Standby50%19.315.1
Standby75%25.366.7
Standby100%31.048.2

Available documents

Spec sheet (Kohler)Spec sheet — g4315 (Kohler)Operator's manual (Kohler)Reference — g6130 (Kohler)Parts manual — tp7091 (Kohler)Service manual (Kohler)Service manual — 14-20-26-rca-rcal-service-manual (Kohler)Service manual — PDF-tp7092 (Kohler)Service manual — adv9919 (Kohler)