Coolant Change Kohler 5E

[jason78]

I am planning to change the coolant in my Kohler 5E this weekend. I have seen various posts here in the past about people doing this ending up with air in the system causing all kinds of probems with getting the generator to run properly. My genny runs great and I would rather it stay that way. I have seen a lot of suggestions on things to try afterward to fix the issues but have never seen a straightforward procedure to drain, fill and bleed off any air. Is there someone here who can tell me the proper procedure to do this coolant change and avoid problems? Thanks!

 

[sporters78]

Yes just changed mine, there is a air bleed on top that you need to open up,,it's all in the manual. But ask If you have more ?

 

[Gunn]

Yes just changed mine, there is a air bleed on top that you need to open up,,it's all in the manual. But ask If you have more ?

That's the key. I did mine in the spring of 2011 and ran into the problems you describe. I filled from the radiator cap and made sure the resorvoir was to the right level. It would run for about 5 minutes and shut down. A IR thermometer showed that it was getting pretty hot (near 200F as I recall). With the help of this forum, I found the pipe plug that needs to be removed to let the air out. This is NOT documented in the service manual!

Here it is. I've circled it in red:

I was able to remove that plug and then fill from the radiator cap until anti-freeze began to seep from the plug. I was surprised how much more antifreeze I was able to pour in...maybe 12 ounces or so. Then I replaced the pipe plug and cap. I ran it once for awhile (no shutdown!) and once it was cool I repeated the procedure, but I don't think I had to add nearly anything. It has been fine ever since.

Good luck,

Tom

 

[jason78]

This is great information Tom, thanks! You are right. That is not covered in the service manual, at least the one I have.