Generator Issue. 1998 Kohler 4kW

Carburetor. And you can save a few $$$, about 100, by getting it from Kawasaki.
At least that solved my problem with similar symptoms.
 
So my plan is. Fuel filter, spark plugs, oil change, impella and zink. Then see if it starts. Only other thing i can think of is fuel pump.
 
Slightly Loosen the fuel line between the carburetor and fuel pump and crank the generator. If fuel drips probably not a fuel pump.
Note: have a fuel absorbing pad handy!
The very small passages in the carb corrode restricting fuel flow.

I rebuilt and thoroughly cleaned the carb and, with moderate success had the generator running.
Ultimately, it took a new carb and the generator runs perfect.
 
Thanks for the advise on that. Was trying to figure out how to test it. Called a gen tech and he wants $220 for first hour and then $100 a hour after with no est on time.
 
Is there a special sequence to start the genny. Seems like im not getting fuel. Did not know if i have to turn something on before i start it
 
Jeff Delbuono said:
Is there a special sequence to start the genny. Seems like im not getting fuel. Did not know if i have to turn something on before i start it
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Same gen in ours, I don’t even hear the pump prime the genset when kicking the switch to run so I think it only pumps while holding start or when it’s actually running.

one other thing to double check is how much fuel is in the tank? The gen will stop drawing at a certain point. Not sure what it is on our 290’s though
 
Tanks are full. I suspect its a fuel pump. If i squirt a little gas in carb it starts but dies. Gonna try that next. Did fuel filter, oil change and impella today. Thanks sea ray for the placement of this thing. My arms arena bloody mess
 
Not sure on your 1998, but some require the blower to be on to activate that solenoid. If it is the parker-hannefin little black one, there is a manual over ride screw to bypass. So you can figure out if it is the culprit. The worst thing you can do is not run the genset. Sitting there will screw it up worse than putting hours on it...
 
Open the fuel line up between the fuel pump and carb and crank the generator. verify there is or isn’t fuel flow.
I am confident you will have fuel flow which will point to the carb being dirty and/or corroded.
 
Interesting. Does any 98 290 owners have to run the blower first just to start it or activate solenoid? Im new to this. Never had a genny on a boat before. Im assuming you run blower while it runs but inky working on it and doing service. Hatch is open while working on it and figured there would have to be a switch or somenkind of power turn on for it
 
Jeff Delbuono said:
I was thinking about something like this. Put in top of strainer basket and hook hose to it. Close valve to boat and run water. But now thinking pressure in water might do harm if genny not running. Any thoughts
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If your puppy hose doesn't supply enough water volume the hose will collapse from the suction from the impeller (with engine running) and without engine running it won't push water past the impeller.
 
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