5KW kohler

[alldodge]

Boat has 500 hours genset has lee than 50 hours. The genset hardley gets used as seen. This year the gen will not start. The fuel pump pumps fine but that is with me applying power to it. All the sensors I believe go to ground when they sense a fault. Impeller has been changed twice but since it won't start I'm thinking why even look at it. So what should I check?

 

[Shane0524]

Re: 5KW kohler

do you go in salt water? the heat exchanger or the exhaust is probably clogged with salt.

 

[alldodge]

Re: 5KW kohler

Not salt, boat has been in fresh its whole life. The gen cranks over very fast just wonte hit, and use to start up after quite a bit of cranking. Just wonder if all sensors except oil pressure use a ground for a fault. If the is the case maybe just remove all wires and see if it will start. Otherwise I'm thinking it may be the main board.

 

[Silverton34c]

Re: 5KW kohler

Not salt, boat has been in fresh its whole life. The gen cranks over very fast just wonte hit, and use to start up after quite a bit of cranking. Just wonder if all sensors except oil pressure use a ground for a fault. If the is the case maybe just remove all wires and see if it will start. Otherwise I'm thinking it may be the main board.

Do you have spark to the plugs? There are 2 of them....

 

[alldodge]

Re: 5KW kohler

Do you have spark to the plugs? There are 2 of them....

Never checked, not that I don't know how just I never use the thing. Kinda wish I removed it the last time I pulled the engine. Trying to find out how the sensors default in failure so when I decide to figure it out it should be easier troubleshooting.

 

[Silverton34c]

Re: 5KW kohler

if you have spark, then you have a fuel issue. If no spark, it could be a board, sensors, or even the ceramic fuse.

 

[alldodge]

Re: 5KW kohler

Thanks and no offence but I know that part. Just wondering if there were any kohler gen mechanics who could provide some input.

 

[alldodge]

Re: 5KW kohler

Found the most of the problem, my Fuel Trol (FT) is not connected. Fuel comes from the tank through the FT (gas shut off solenoid) to the filter then the electric fuel pump. With the FT not connected the pump has to fill the intire systems before it will start. I compound the issue because I hardly ever start the GEN. It has 90 hours on it and my engine has over 500.

The other part of the issue I'll need to figure out is the 12V that is suppling the FT. When the GEN is running it has 12V but while it's starting there seems to be a lag. Sure could use some Kohler GEN expert advise as to how to keep the fuel up and help it start a bit easier.

Please don't just say use it more often. Maybe install a by pass switch which will turn on the pump and energize the FT for a bit prior to starting, using a momentarly on switch?