Bilge Heaters

[Radiowave]

Are bilge heaters effective during Maryland winters? I am having issues with my genset and won't be able to get it winterized (motor won't turn over upon ignition) prior to the cold weather. I know that if the marina loses power the heater will stop working but other than that are bilge heaters keep the bilge warm enough to prevent damage to the motors/genset?

 

[JimT]

I have an Xtreme 600 watt bilge heater. It comes on when the temperature goes to 40 degrees in the bilge. I don't winterize and have never had a problem. It's important to plug the bilge vents to keep the heat in.

 

[dwna1a]

I’m just down the Bay from you. I do winterize and I do have a heater. You’ve got a couple of months to get the genset running. It is a gamble, drain as much water out of it as you can and of course winterize all other systems. Do be very sure you block or cover the engine room vents.

Remember water temps will also dictate how cold the engine room gets. A circulation system is great for under the boat. It will also keep the ice away.

What genset do you have and can we help?

 

[Radiowave]

I’m just down the Bay from you. I do winterize and I do have a heater. You’ve got a couple of months to get the genset running. It is a gamble, drain as much water out of it as you can and of course winterize all other systems. Do be very sure you block or cover the engine room vents.

Remember water temps will also dictate how cold the engine room gets. A circulation system is great for under the boat. It will also keep the ice away.

What genset do you have and can we help?

Thanks for the info. The Genset is a Kohler 5cd. It ran fine upon de-winterization back in April of this year. However, since that start it has run. The impeller, plugs, gas and oil filters are new. The motor cranks and cranks but just won’t start.

 

[Stray Current]

Thanks for the info. The Genset is a Kohler 5cd. It ran fine upon de-winterization back in April of this year. However, since that start it has run. The impeller, plugs, gas and oil filters are new. The motor cranks and cranks but just won’t start.

Does it even try to fire? does it eventually fault out?

 

[pyro]

The motor cranks and cranks but just won’t start.

This should be enough to suck antifreeze through the system and winterize it.

 

[Stray Current]

This should be enough to suck antifreeze through the system and winterize it.

theoretically, but without exhaust to purge the muffler of water while the antifreeze is pumping through, the muffler could still freeze and crack.

supposedly the mufflers have a drain. Mine is totally inaccessible if it’s there

 

[skolbe]

Curious if you are getting an error code on the generator. Be careful cranking for too long.

 

[rwg]

Thanks for the info. The Genset is a Kohler 5cd. It ran fine upon de-winterization back in April of this year. However, since that start it has run. The impeller, plugs, gas and oil filters are new. The motor cranks and cranks but just won’t start.

Have you tried to start the generator at the generator? I had a switch that went bad and would not start from the electrical panel

 

[Korkie]

Mine kinda did the same thing. I tried plugs, filters, carb rebuild, praying, etc. Turned out it was the main control board going bad as my issue was intermittent until it became permanent, just would not start. There are lights that are supposed to be illuminated on that board in order for the genny to start. They are representative of the safety's on the oil pressure, coolant temp and raw water flow. Google the main control board and you may find some help. I actually found a very helpful Koehler serv guy at a dealer that helped me troubleshoot my problem.
This is the company that helped me out. I also have the old board that will allow the genny to start, its just that the safety relay on the board is burnt and it will not let it turn off with out removing one of the fuses on the front by the power switch. I was saving for trouble shooting. PM me and I can send it to you to see if it allows yours to at least start and run. You can try it and send it back rather than spend the $280 and it not be the board.
These guys were real helpful -
Korkie,
Thank you for your order from Colburn Power Systems. Once your package ships we will send an email with a link to track your order. If you have questions about your order, you can email us at parts@colburnpower.com or call us at 618-997-9015.

Your Order #100030323
Placed on Jul 8, 2020, 1:55:15 PM
Billing Info
K Klear
Leonardtown, Maryland, 20650
United States
T:
Shipping Info
K Klear
Leonardtown, Maryland, 20650
United States
T:
Payment Method
Credit Card
Credit Card Type
Visa
Credit Card Number
xxxx
Shipping Method
United Parcel Service - UPS Second Day Air
Items
Qty
Price
Kohler Part #359789 Switch Oil Pressure
SKU: 359789
1
$22.46

Kohler Part #GM10516 Pcb Assy Relay Ctrl W Lop Td Crk Int
SKU: GM10516
1
$280.64

Subtotal
$303.10
Shipping & Handling
$38.02
Grand Total
$341.12
Additional Information:
Name / Model / Serial / Spec

Kohler 5E serial 2063043

 

[dwna1a]

Also you should have a drain on the muffler.

 

[northern]

Not a heater
With jetboat we store it at up to minus 40 out side. I connect the shop vac to the raw water hose (Engine is antifreeze cooled) and blow until no more water vapor comes out the exhaust. No it does not blow water vapour into the engine. Been doing it for 10 years.

 

[Radiowave]

Mine kinda did the same thing. I tried plugs, filters, carb rebuild, praying, etc. Turned out it was the main control board going bad as my issue was intermittent until it became permanent, just would not start. There are lights that are supposed to be illuminated on that board in order for the genny to start. They are representative of the safety's on the oil pressure, coolant temp and raw water flow. Google the main control board and you may find some help. I actually found a very helpful Koehler serv guy at a dealer that helped me troubleshoot my problem.
This is the company that helped me out. I also have the old board that will allow the genny to start, its just that the safety relay on the board is burnt and it will not let it turn off with out removing one of the fuses on the front by the power switch. I was saving for trouble shooting. PM me and I can send it to you to see if it allows yours to at least start and run. You can try it and send it back rather than spend the $280 and it not be the board.
These guys were real helpful -
Korkie,
Thank you for your order from Colburn Power Systems. Once your package ships we will send an email with a link to track your order. If you have questions about your order, you can email us at parts@colburnpower.com or call us at 618-997-9015.

Your Order #100030323
Placed on Jul 8, 2020, 1:55:15 PM
Billing Info
K Klear
Leonardtown, Maryland, 20650
United States
T:
Shipping Info
K Klear
Leonardtown, Maryland, 20650
United States
T:
Payment Method
Credit Card
Credit Card Type
Visa
Credit Card Number
xxxx
Shipping Method
United Parcel Service - UPS Second Day Air
Items
Qty
Price
Kohler Part #359789 Switch Oil Pressure
SKU: 359789
1
$22.46

Kohler Part #GM10516 Pcb Assy Relay Ctrl W Lop Td Crk Int
SKU: GM10516
1
$280.64

Subtotal
$303.10
Shipping & Handling
$38.02
Grand Total
$341.12
Additional Information:
Name / Model / Serial / Spec

Kohler 5E serial 2063043

Thanks for this great response!