7.3 Kohler problems

Luckydogs

Luckydogs

New Member
Mar 5, 2007
348
Lake Texoma, Texas
Boat Info
2003 3870 Express
Engines
Twin 8.1S (hogs)
I have a 7.3 (03) Kohler Gen with approx 1000 hours. Have never had an issue and recently replaced plugs, oil and filter. Ran fine two weeks ago and went out today to excercise it and it would not stay running after I let go of the start button.I was by myself and w/out tool box so I couldn't troubleshoot much. All I did was check strainer and all was good. Not even sure if I had water coming out of the exhaust.
 
Luckydogs said:
I have a 7.3 (03) Kohler Gen with approx 1000 hours. Have never had an issue and recently replaced plugs, oil and filter. Ran fine two weeks ago and went out today to excercise it and it would not stay running after I let go of the start button.I was by myself and w/out tool box so I couldn't troubleshoot much. All I did was check strainer and all was good. Not even sure if I had water coming out of the exhaust.
Click to expand...

Had the same problem on a 1998 version. Had the marine generator guys take a look at it and they diagnosed a faulty start/run solenoid which they replaced. They commented that this solenoid has a tendancy to cook itself.
 
I don't have the same set up but I do have a Kohler 5K and they are prone to issues with the choke (so I think I understand). It's something to do with the spring. I monkey with the choke on mine in cold weather while using the starter physically on the generator and it eventually lights up and runs on it's own.

Could this be something choke related?
 
Check your water discharge - if the impeller goes it will shut down the engine to prevent damage. When was your last impeller change?
 
i changed the impeller towards the end of last year's season so it doesnt have that many hours but you never know
 
well, went out tonight and checked impeller and water flow and all good. Replaced spark plugs as well and still will not stay running once I release the start button . Does anyone know if this model has an inline fuel filter i did notice that there is no remote fuel filter.
 
If it starts but fails to keep running after the start button is released then it is not generating any power. This is where the start/run circuit comes into play it detects the presence of voltage and the start/run relay stays latched in the run position and the genset will continue to run once the start button is released.

So your problem is that the genset is not producing power.

I found this link which explains it better than I can:

http://www.fixya.com/support/t1963199-kohler_rv_generator_will_start
 
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Luckydogs said:
it would not stay running after I let go of the start button.
Click to expand...

I had this same problem with my unit last summer. It turned out that one of the relays on the control board was not picking up. Had to replace the control board.
Here is a link to Kohler service manuals:
http://www.kohlerengines.com/manuals/landing.htm

I had a second problem with my generator last summer. In that case, the engine would start, but, the generator would not come on (ie: no voltage on the meter). In that case, it was the excitation capacitor.

In other words, you have to specific in your description of what the problem is. The service manuals should help you locate your problem.
 
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Ok, fired the gen up and while holding the start button I tested the ac output and was only reading around 50 volts but is producing voltage. What now?
 
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