kohler 5e problems

[Here For The Party]

I am having issue with a persnickety (spelling) generator. It starts a runs beautiful but will shut down when ever it feels like it. It started and died 5 times last weekend (when temps were over 98) but the last time it restarted it ran for 36 hours straight! I have replaced the impeller (it was trashed) and now the water flow is maybe twice what it was but the issue persist. Is there a way to tell why it has shut down when it does? I dont see a LED panel that may have codes or anything like that.

 

[Alex F]

Were you able to get all remaining vanes and crumbs from the old impeller? It's possible that the vanes form old impeller are blocking the water flow and making it overheat. Just something to consider.

 

[ultratiger89]

You check the oil level? these things drink oil, if low, it will cutout on LOP

 

[Here For The Party]

The water flow out the exhaust port is twice as much as it was so i don't believe that its water flow and the oil is full and fresh. I was out last night and it pulled its same trick, started and ran for 20 min died restarted died in a couple of min restarted ran for the rest of the evening? I believe it temp related from the run cycles but ???? Maybe the thermostat is sticky and needs to heat soak for a little to open?? I wish it had a temp gauge, is there a reasonable way to hook one up?

 

[Stray Cat]

You check the oil level? these things drink oil, if low, it will cutout on LOP

Unless it has been run low on oil, it shouldn't drink oil, but you should check it frequently.

I wish it had a temp gauge, is there a reasonable way to hook one up?

Every boater should own a IR temp gun. Raytek makes a compact unit (model MT4) and accurate one for + - $70.00 Shoot the heat exchanger to get a reading, mine runs at 170 degrees.

On a side note, have you changed you fuel / water seperator filter? As mentioned, you may want to backflush the heatexchanger, a chunk of rubber in the right spot (near the temp sensor) could create a hot spot where little or no water flow is at the sensor and cause it to shut down.
With a 5E, it never hurts to change the plugs when the engine misbehaves.

 

[beachcombersc]

I would think if its running smooth up untill it shuts down, that temp and oil levels are the main things to look at. Good luck!!!

Also check the water temp leaving the port side. Mine is never to hot to touch when running. Even with the water temps we have here.

 

[ultratiger89]

Unless it has been run low on oil, it shouldn't drink oil, but you should check it frequently.

From the Kohler Operating Manual

3.3.3 Oil Additions
Adding some oil between oil changes is normal. The
amount varies with generator set usage. Open the oil fill
cap and pour in a small amount of oil using a funnel or
other suitable pouring device. See Section 1—Service
Views for the oil check and oil fill locations.

Even the OEM states that oil usage is normal. If yours doesn't use any, then kudos to you, mine does.

On the post topic, there may be a loose wire somewhere. You could also pull the T-stat and see if it runs without issues, and check it in a pot of boiling water.

 

[Stray Cat]

I would think if its running smooth up untill it shuts down, that temp and oil levels are the main things to look at. Good luck!!!

Also check the water temp leaving the port side. Mine is never to hot to touch when running. Even with the water temps we have here.

On the water outlet side of the heat exchanger, and muffler, mine runs at 130 degrees F

From the Kohler Operating Manual

Even the OEM states that oil usage is normal. If yours doesn't use any, then kudos to you, mine does.

On the post topic, there may be a loose wire somewhere. You could also pull the T-stat and see if it runs without issues, and check it in a pot of boiling water.

Agree, some consumption may be normal, but not drink! :grin:

 

[ultratiger89]

On the water outlet side of the heat exchanger, and muffler, mine runs at 130 degrees F



Agree, some consumption may be normal, but not drink! :grin:

yeh, well mine, with 1100 hours on it, will use about a half quart every 30 - 50 hours (est). To me that's drinking it! :smt119

 

[Here For The Party]

Ran it again last night and there is a good temp drop across the exchanger inlets and out lets, i did not have my temp gun with me but i will check that tonight.

I talked to a friend that is pretty sharp and he suggested making a couple of jumpers with aligator clip and fuse holder in each one using only a small milliamp fuse so that it would be ultra sensitive and then jumping from each switch to ground and as soon as the offending switch goes open it will blow the fuse and now you will know what switch is going open.