Kohler 5E Generator crank/no start K2/3 lit up

[mckaras]

I have my generator out on a pallet after I did maintenance, resprayed it and changed out the rusted out pan to a stainless steel one.

I never had this generator started before as it's just out of a project Regal Commodore.

I have it hooked up to a hose and a battery on a standalone gas tank. Cranking it with the switch held I have two LEDs light up K2 and K3. It cranks but does not start, I'm assuming it's not getting fuel and/or spark.

I know the K4 light needs to be on when it's being turned on while the switch is held?

I had another circuit board I plopped into it out of a parts boat, which helped turn it from a no crank position to crank.

I put 12V to the fuel pump and it did work.

Carburetor has been rebuilt and flow tested by a shop.

 

[alldodge]

Haven't go into the manual yet but does this one have a preheat switch?

 

[Kosmofreeze]

If you suspect the control board on your Kohler genny, take it out and send it to these guys - https://www.flightsystems.com/. I did and was very impressed with their speed and acumen in helping me troubleshoot my problem. They'll test the board and repair if necessary. In my case there was no fault found. It turns out my 5E only needed new spark plugs - easy and cheap to fix. The Kawasaki engines apparently have a reputation for eating spark plugs. Don't overlook this simple fix.

 

[mckaras]

If you suspect the control board on your Kohler genny, take it out and send it to these guys - https://www.flightsystems.com/. I did and was very impressed with their speed and acumen in helping me troubleshoot my problem. They'll test the board and repair if necessary. In my case there was no fault found. It turns out my 5E only needed new spark plugs - easy and cheap to fix. The Kawasaki engines apparently have a reputation for eating spark plugs. Don't overlook this simple fix.

I changed out the plugs, water pump impeller, bushing behind water pump, and a few other things. I just haven't changed out the fuses for the relays. I'm assuming it's the control board or the sensors on it, however if it was the sensors it would at least start. I'll start out by changing the fuses for the fuse holders and see how it goes. I'll definitely be sending out the control board to get this one tested since it did not even crank, only my fuel pump turned on. I appreciate the link to them! I found them yesterday browsing the web.

 

[mckaras]

Haven't go into the manual yet but does this one have a preheat switch?

All I have on the generator is a stop/start switch and a breaker for on/off position. Not aware of any preheat on these carbureted gasoline generators.

 

[alldodge]

My 4K kohler was a bear to start if it had sit for a good while. Installed a momentary ON switch to the fuel pump, this way I could run the FP before I tried to start.

Buddy has a 5K gas kohler and it has a preheat switch and will not start unless the switch is held in. Yours not having one guess it's not that

Use a spark tester to see if your getting it.
Could try a "real short" burst of starting fluid to see if it will hit

 

[mckaras]

My 4K kohler was a bear to start if it had sit for a good while. Installed a momentary ON switch to the fuel pump, this way I could run the FP before I tried to start.

Buddy has a 5K gas kohler and it has a preheat switch and will not start unless the switch is held in. Yours not having one guess it's not that

Use a spark tester to see if your getting it.
Could try a "real short" burst of starting fluid to see if it will hit

I have a couple of these generators, last one I pulled a few weeks ago and did the same maintenance and repairs started after a few times pressing the on button and manually pumping the throttle on the carburetor. I'll have to check spark on it in just a few minutes. I just don't hear the fuel pump turning on at all. It's decently loud enough when I put 12V to it.

 

[mckaras]

I have a couple of these generators, last one I pulled a few weeks ago and did the same maintenance and repairs started after a few times pressing the on button and manually pumping the throttle on the carburetor. I'll have to check spark on it in just a few minutes. I just don't hear the fuel pump turning on at all. It's decently loud enough when I put 12V to it.

This is off my other 5E it has the same controls on it. Breaker is switched to the on position on the one I'm having trouble with.