How do I find my Kato Equipment's serial number?

The serial number is a five-digit number, sometimes with an additional dash if there were multiple units,  located on the Kato equipment (not the engine or turbine) nameplate. If the nameplate is missing on a generator, the number is typically stamped into one of the footpads. For components, like regulators, use the model number for identification.

How do I get a user manual for my Kato equipment?

Please contact us via email, or call 507-345-2724. Have your serial number ready. There may be a fee based on the age and complexity of your equipment. Some KAMAG electrical connection drawings can be found on our user manuals page.

What is the maintenance schedule for my generator?

You will find a maintenance schedule in the user manual. 

What type and how much grease do I put in my generator's bearings?

Next to the generator nameplate, on the side of the generator, should be a lubeplate, which tells the type and amount of grease to use. If your nameplate is missing, we generally recommend a high-quality, lithium-based motor bearing grease, such as Mobilith SCH-220. If you don't know what type of grease is in the bearing, we recommend purging it out first before adding fresh grease.

Why won't my generator build voltage?

Determine if the problem is in the generator or regulator by separately exciting the exciter field. Do this by stopping the prime mover and disconnecting the regulator from the exciter stator. Connect the exciter field to a 12-Volt battery with the positive lead on EF1 and the negative lead on EF2. Start the prime mover. If the generator is functioning properly, the problem is in the regulator. Regulators are complex to troubleshoot, and we recommend replacing them or sending them back to Kato for repair. If the generator is not functioning properly, check for open rectifier diodes using the diode setting on a VOM. For repair or replacement parts, contact us at:

Why is my generator outputting too high of voltage?

Typically this indicates a problem with the regulator. Regulators are complex to troubleshoot, and we recommend replacing them or sending them back to Kato for repair. For repair or replacement parts, contact us at:

When paralleling to other generators, my generator will not stay on line or will not share KVAR load. What do I do?

Paralleling typically involves the governor, regulator, switchgear and other factors. As a general rule, if the problem is kW load sharing the issue is more likely with the governor. If the problem is with KVAR sharing, the issue is more likely with the regulator. Kato Engineering may be able to offer some assistance with paralleling problems, but we recommend contacting the genset or systems builder for best assistance.

How do I reconfigure my generator to get a different voltage?

You will need to reconnect the stator leads and regulator. For generators other than 12-wire KAMAG generators, please contact the Kato factory. Please have your serial number ready. 

For KAMAG generators, use the stator hookup drawing and the KAMAG generator and electrical connection drawing for your model of generator and regulator.