kohler gen.won't start

[pumy]

Started my gen this weekend and it ran untill carb seemed like it was out of fuel and died. I cannot get it started again. It ran fine all last weekend. Do you think it is the filter or the electric pump, or something else. HELP PLEASE. Oh yea I have a 1998 290sda I think it is a 4kw gen.
Thanks Pat

 

[JediJD]

A generator is just an engine that runs a an electric motor. Don't make it too complicated. The first step in any engine is to narrow down the no start problem to fuel, fire or air. Pull the plugs, see what condition they are in. Spin it and see if you have spark to the plugs (if I remember the operating manual, you want to close the seacock during testing and IMMEDIATELY open it when it starts). Second, check to be sure you are getting fuel to the filter, and ideally you would have access to a fuel pressure gauge to be sure you in fact have fuel pressure.

 

[Larry&Leisa]

If the plugs haven't been changed in a while.. start there.. Kohler is bad about fouling them. I have to change mine out twice a year..

 

[pumy]

Thanks, I will start with the plugs, then move to the fuel filter.
just seems weird that it started and ran untill what seemed like it used what gas was perhaps stored in the carb bowl.
Pat

 

[PlayDate]

Pat,

It really sounds like a fuel problem. The easiest way is to determine this is (with the hatches open, blower on and seacock open) to give the carb a small shot of starting fluid and see if the unit starts and runs. My guess is that it will.

The fuel pumps on Kohlers (as well as every other type) seem to fail on the older models in the way that you describe.

If it doesn't start, then we can move on to the electrical diagnostics.

-John

 

[jeffk]

I have a 2006 5kw Kohler, and don't have a manual. It cranks, but doesn't start. It did during the sea trial. I'll check the plugs tomorrow.

Found one:

http://www.smartcraftnetworked.com/pdfs/Kohler_User_manual.pdf

 

[topgun1185]

I know I had a problem with the auto choke, if I manuel choked it, it started and ran. Also the plugs are easley fouled. In 5 years I have 30 hours I know it likes it better when used alot more.

 

[jeffk]

Yep, just read the manual, SInce I just bought the boat, I replaced the fuel filter, now I just need to purge the fuel and check the plugs.