What can be done to quiet a Kohler generator?

MonacoMike

MonacoMike

Well-Known Member
Sep 15, 2009
14,721
Indiana lakes and Lake Michigan
Boat Info
2000 Cruisers 3870
8.2 Mercs
Engines
85 Sea Ray Monaco 197
260hp Alpha 1
What can be done to quiet a Kohler 5 series generator? Are there quieter mufflers than stock? It seems fairly loud in the cockpit when it is running. Suggestions welcome. MM
 
They make a sound shield which works wonders but they are very expensive and depending on where your generator is mounted, may or may not work. There is no way one would work for my configuration.
 
You can upgrade your muffler but I would quest information from a dealer. You don't want to modify the engine without the manufacturer buying off on it. There is always a chance you can add too much back pressure with the wrong setup.
 
I have a westerbeke Hydro-Hush - very satisfied. My gen runs at 2200 and the blower is louder than any noise from the gen.
 
I have upgraded to a two stage unit, made a huge difference in sound output... I called the manufacture direct who made the original, he did the calculations on it. Check with your muffler manufacture.
 
If you can fit the sound shield, I think you will be quite the happy camper.
 
I also just install a kohler and they are a little loud. I am looking at placing sound proofing material in the genny bay, but I think I will wait until the Amerial tells me its too loud and gives me permission to spend more $$!!
 
I have a 5ecd with sound shield (box). When eng. hatch is closed it is very quiet
 
No room for a sound shield for me. It is the exhaust that seems loud. I will look into a 2 stage muffler. Any links to one? Thanks, MM
 
MonacoMike said:
No room for a sound shield for me. It is the exhaust that seems loud. I will look into a 2 stage muffler. Any links to one? Thanks, MM
Click to expand...

I found the manufacture by the sticker on the side. He even made an offer to take it back if I wasn't happy...

I loved it!!!

Less than $ 200.00
 
Westerbeke. Mine runs at 1800 RPMs and my blower is louder than the gennie! But my buddie has a Kohler that runs at a much higher RPM. His has the sound sheild and it does help some.
 
I agree the blower is louder than the generator. I have a Kohler 5ecd.
 
I have a Westerbeke and had a boat yard in Portland, OR install an exhaust water separator. It removes the water from the exhaust and sends it out through a thru-hull in the bottom of the hull so it comes out under water. The only thing that comes out the stern is a hum of the diesel exhaust.
 
Stray Cat said:
Mike, try a pair of these, much cheaper and people will wonder what your up to... ; ) How much insulation do you have on your hatch cover(s) My 300 has quite a bit on the hatch cover and the bulkhead wall....I find the exhaust tone changes with the wear of the water pump impeller.]
Click to expand...

At what point does impeller wear begin to increase noise? Mine has 20 hours on it. MM
 
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