Generator , Kohler

H

Hot Jambalaya

Member
Apr 21, 2021
85
Boat Info
2005 SeaRay 260 Sundancer
Engines
350 Bravo
Question, My Generator (with fresh water valve open) runs for about 2 minutes then shuts off.
Any advise? Water is coming out of the vent. I'm going to start with replacing the fuel filter.

Thank you,
Hotjambalaya
 
What model unit? Any fault codes?
 
First guess is carburetor or clogged fuel filter. I have found the secret to a happy genny is to run it often with a load.
 
Without more information, make sure you check your oil and check it properly. Ie. Don’t screw the oil fill plug in when checking it.
 
Hi Boaters, still dealing with my Kohler Gen Issues. the model is a 5E, only has 90 hours on it. She will run for a total of about 5 minutes after about 3 minutes starts stalling and running rough. Does not generate enough wattage to run the microwave. I have changed the fuel filter, cleaned the sea drainer replaced the impeller and also checked the Zinc anode. When I took the anode out it was clean , but no water drained from the heat exchanger? I was expectng water run out. A kohler rep told me next thing to try is replace the spark plugs? Any other advise is much appreciated.
Thank you!
 
Are you getting any codes when it shuts down? Look at the panel on the generator for codes.
 
Hot Jambalaya said:
There is no display on the generator
Click to expand...
1702335491540.png

I am assuming it the same as mine and looks like this. On my boat there are two gas filters. One is a screw on water separator and if you down to the right of the picture you will see the second filter (much smaller). Have you changed both of these? I would not shy away from changing plugs, but if it runs good for several minutes my guess would not be plugs.

The filters should be changed regularly so doing it now won’t hurt. My money if gas filters don’t help is on carb.

Fill us in on the last maintenance you did.
 
Yes, thats my generator, I did replace the screw on in line water separator, I did not change the second filter you are referencing. Is the second filter at the end of the copper flex line right in front of the Kohler name plate?
If so, do you have a filter part number? I also checked the Zinc anode , looked fine but I was a bit surprsed when I removed it no water came out, not sure if this could be an issue too.
Thnak you for responding so quickly
 
Hot Jambalaya said:
Yes, thats my generator, I did replace the screw on in line water separator, I did not change the second filter you are referencing. Is the second filter at the end of the copper flex line right in front of the Kohler name plate?
If so, do you have a filter part number? I also checked the Zinc anode , looked fine but I was a bit surprsed when I removed it no water came out, not sure if this could be an issue too.
Thnak you for responding so quickly
Click to expand...
Yes - the small one is special for Kohler. Try this place. Iirc I bought all my tune up parts here.

GM116125-S Fuel Filter, Kohler, Replaces 267987 [GM116125-S] :

GM116125-S Fuel Filter, Kohler, Replaces 267987 [GM116125-S] - GM116125-S Fuel Filter, Kohler, Replaces 267987
www.partsfortechs.com www.partsfortechs.com
 
If it is shutting down on over-heat or loss of raw cooling water it wouldn't start to run, as you say, stalling and run rough. It would just shut off. Loss of oil pressure the same.
When load is put on a generator the throttle on the carb opens further and more fuel demanded.
Is the fuel good and fresh?
Does the fuel pump meet flow and pressure?
Filters changed.
If fuel has remained in the carburetor for a long time then it will evaporate and leave behind a varnish and gum like substance. This will plug and restrict the tiny air and fuel jets/orifice and prevent the float and needle valve from functioning properly. The unit may idle fine but when fuel demand increases the flow restrictions will cause the stalling and rough running.
A weak ignition system can have similar symptoms but, first get the fuel system in spec then if that has no effect on the issue then on to the ignition system.
 
Try running it from a separate gas can. Clogged fuel lines and/or an anti-siphon valve can cause this. Ask me how I know......I had the same gen. with the same problem. Took months to figure out. Good luck!
 
Do you have the manual for your unit?

Post up a picture of the data plate on top of your unit and I bet someone will find one for you.

Most guides have a pretty good trouble shooting guide in the back.
 
You didn't mention spark plugs. If it starts running rough when you apply a load, that is the first think I would do -- with my 5e, it was almost always the spark plugs when that happened.

If it is just shutting down completely and you are not able to diagnose with codes, then I would start with cooling. Those older units had an issue where an air pocket would form in the heat exchanger causing it to shutdown on high temp. The fix was to bleed the cooling system, there should be a small valve on top of the heat exchanger to bleed it. If not remove the cap and run it while topping off the coolant - same as you would a car radiator.
 
BillK2632 said:
You didn't mention spark plugs. If it starts running rough when you apply a load, that is the first think I would do -- with my 5e, it was almost always the spark plugs when that happened.

If it is just shutting down completely and you are not able to diagnose with codes, then I would start with cooling. Those older units had an issue where an air pocket would form in the heat exchanger causing it to shutdown on high temp. The fix was to bleed the cooling system, there should be a small valve on top of the heat exchanger to bleed it. If not remove the cap and run it while topping off the coolant - same as you would a car radiator.
Click to expand...
Yep. the bleeder plug is right at the very top of the pic in post #10 from @boatrboy.
 
Thank you for all the help. I will try the recomendations you have provided. Yes there is water coming out of the exhaust system. I think I will start with the gas filter on the unit. Does anyone know when you take out the zinc anode will water always pour out? I checked the anode and it looks fine. However just a few drops of water came out of the heat exchanger, thermostat issue?
 
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