Kohler 12hp generator with pull start to electric start
 

Anyone have experience on how to add electric start to 12hp, 5k Kohler generator. This unit is very heavy. I used it for our construction business 40 yrs ago. Now I'm 73, I'm thinking why pull, if I can push a button.

It is impossible to answer your question, in that we don't know the model of the Kohler Engine you are referencing.

:Huh:

Ok I'll have to pull it out if storage. Thank you.

Most generators that are convertible to electric start have starter motors already mounted on them and only need the battery added.

At least my 13hp Honda engined-Northstar 8k generator does. I can start it with just a jumper pack (ground clamp and touch the positive clip to the starter).

But it usually starts on first or second pull, pretty easily.

Interesting, :bigthink:
Most manufactures save costs by offering a rope start.
They do not equip them with all that it needs for electric start other than providing a batt-tree.

Some manufactures will provide a ring gear on the flywheel if is is part of the flywheel as cast, and some also have bosses for the mounting of a starter motor.
some even have holes in the bosses but not tapped for bolts.
also some engines were never designed for a electric start so no provisions are provided in anyway for a starter/system.
most do not have a charging system if it is a rope start.
There are some 110V electric start that provide no charging system like toro and others, usually on a snow blower/thrower situation.
Most times unless a donor engine is available inexpensively, it is not cost effective to convert to a self starter application.

Sometimes the generator has windings that allows electrical starting.

I have an onan like that, it has a start winding in the power generator.
it is one heavy SOB and it runs at 1800, not 3600 rpm's
It was built for RV usage in the '70's :bigthink:
it also has a 12 volt starting battery charger built into the windings.:beerchug:

Mine is the commercial version with an eye on the top to hook a crane to.