• 
• Kohler Magnum float switch.
• 

• Some engines are equipped with optional Oil Sentry system. Oil Sentry uses a float switch in the oil pan to detect a low engine oil level. On stationary or unattended applications (pumps, generators, etc.) the float switch can be used to ground the ignition module to stop the engine. On vehicular applications (garden tractors, mowers, etc.) and those equipped with a battery or electric start, the float switch can be used to activate a 'low oil' warning light.

  The following instructions will enable switch removal, installation, and testing without removing the oil pan.

  Float switch removal

  • 1. Make sure the engine/equipment is resting on a level surface.
  • 2. Remove the oil drain plug. Drain oil from crankcase.
  • 3. Disconnect float switch leads.
  • 4. Using a 9/16" open end wrench, turn switch counterclockwise 1/4 turn to loosen. STOP turning switch when flat surface on float switch is in a horizontal position. (Flat surface parallel with base of oil pan and N.C./N.O. markings down.) Refer to Figures 1 and 2.
  • 5. Turn the switch in 1/2 turn increments using a smooth continuous action. Pause briefly between increments and keep the flat surface of float in a horizontal position (parallel with base of oil pan). Refer to Figure 2.
• 
• 

• Caution: To prevent damage to the float switch, and to enable you to 'feel' if the float strikes the oil pan, REMOVE THE SWITCH HAND as soon as it is loose enough for you to do so.

  When turning the float switch, use a smooth, continuous action for the ENTIRE 1/2 turn increment. Pausing the rotation of the switch in the position shown in Figure 8-27 will cause the float to strike the oil pan.

  If the float strikes the oil pan, STOP turning the switch, then use the following procedure.

• 

• Caution: To prevent damage to the float switch, and to enable you to 'feel' if the float strikes the oil pan, REMOVE THE SWITCH HAND as soon as it is loose enough for you to do so.

  When turning the float switch, use a smooth, continuous action for the ENTIRE 1/2 turn increment. Pausing the rotation of the switch in the position shown in Figure 4 will cause the float to strike the oil pan.

  If the float strikes the oil pan, STOP turning the switch, then use the following procedure.

  • A. Turn the switch clockwise until the flat surface is in a vertical position as shown in Figure 8-25a. (N.C./N.O. markings on the left.) This will allow the float to return against the switch body.
  • B. Turn the switch counterclockwise 1/4 turn. STOP turning when the flat surface is in a horizontal position. (Flat surface parallel with base of oil pan and N.C. / N.O. markings down.) Refer to Figure 8-26b.
  • C. Turn the switch counterclockwise in 1/2 turn increments as instructed in step 5 above.
• 
• FLOAT SWITCH TESTS
  Test switch for continuity with ohmmeter or continuity test light.
  Switch Position----------- Resistance
  A-----------------------------------No (Switch open infinite)
  B-----------------------------------Yes (Resistance shown on meter)
• 
• 

OIL SENTRY PRESSURE SWITCH

For a cold engine at start up, the oil pressure can reach up to 60 psi. For a warm engine (normal operating temperature), at idle speed, the oil pressure can go down to 12 psi.

Testing

The Oil Sentry™ pressure monitor is a normally closed type switch. It is calibrated to open (break contact) with increasing pressure and close (make contact) with decreasing pressure within the range of 3.0/5.0 psi. Compressed air, a pressure regulator, pressure gauge, and a continuity tester are required to test the switch.

1. Connect the continuity tester across the blade terminal and the metal case of switch. With 0 psi pressure applied to the switch, the tester should indicate continuity (switch closed).

2. Gradually increase the pressure to the switch. The tester should indicate a change to no continuity (switch open) as the pressure increases through the range of 3.0/5.0 psi. The switch should remain open as the pressure is increased to 90 psi maximum.

3. Gradually decrease the pressure to the switch. The tester should indicate a change to continuity (switch closed) as the pressure decreases through the range of 3.0/5.0 psi; approaching 0 psi.

If the switch does not operate as specified, replace the switch.

• Low Oil Shutdown
  • Briggs and Stratton low oil shutdown
  • Generac low oil shutdown
  • Honda low oil shutdown
  • Kohler low oil shutdown
  • Subaru low oil shutdown
  • Tecumseh low oil shutdown
  • Wisconsin Robin low oil shutdown