Generator won't crank

[Ariemoller]

Hi All,

So this is a strange one. Wanted to just start the generator since it hadn't been started in a while. Hit the remote start and heard it cranking but not starting. Cranked for way longer then usually. Stopped the remote start. Tried again and now nothing not even a crank.
It's a Kohler 7.5Kw with only like 30 hours on it so a little baffled.

 

[dpmulvey]

How long did you crank it for at a time. 5 seconds? 35 seconds?

 

[JimFromMD]

You might want to pull your spark plugs and check your cylinders. If you cranked it for an extended period of time, you could have siphoned water up through the exhaust into the cylinders... which once inside, wont compress/turn over / crank. If that's the case, you need to clear the water out of the cylinders, get it started, and then change the oil several times before things start to rust. There are likely others here with better more informed recommendations, but a friend saved his Kohler 5E that way.

 

[dpmulvey]

You might want to pull your spark plugs and check your cylinders. If you cranked it for an extended period of time, you could have siphoned water up through the exhaust into the cylinders... which once inside, wont compress/turn over / crank. If that's the case, you need to clear the water out of the cylinders, get it started, and then change the oil several times before things start to rust. There are likely others here with better more informed recommendations, but a friend saved his Kohler 5E that way.

That's exactly what ran through my head but I didn't want to scare the OP until I could rule out other "stuff" You are spot on though.

 

[Bay B's]

Is there a digital panel with a fault code on the generator? When my generator fails to start, I have to manually reset the switch on the generator itself for the remote start to work.

 

[2000SR380]

There was just a POST 1/12/16 on a Westerbeke generator, found a bad circuit Board something about Overspeed Circuit. Who would have guessed?
Before going there, I would check Oil Level. (If it is low, no start, and continued attempts will snap the breaker or blow the fuse). If you cranked it a lot removing pugs and checking for water ingestion is a good idea. For no-Crank look at Battery and Starter connections. That new a generator with that low hours timing and compression issues are not likely, so once cranking again, you are back to Spark, Fuel, oil Level, and "Pre-Heat". A can of aerosol "Starting Fluid" (ether) can be a very handy diagnostic tool at this point. You should have one next to your WD-40.

 

[northern]

I have no idea how long you can crank a generator before you get water in it. Mine after sitting all winter takes several times to get it to start. I usually crank for 3 to 5 seconds let it sit for 30 seconds then do the same again about the 3rd or 4th time it starts. It is a Quicksilver.
I do not crank any engine for more than 5 seconds as I feel I will over heat the starter.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Pull the plugs ASAP in case your hydro locked.

Close the sea cock and crank it over (if it will) if your spitting water out the plug holes, pour in some light oil, like two stroke or marvel mystery oil and crank again.

Your water lift exhaust muffler should be drained if it has a drain screw.

Normally the puff (pressure) of the generator running forces the water up and out of the muffler.
Just cranking without a start, will turn the raw water pump impeller filling the exhaust but will never blow it out the side of the boat.
Continued cranking will completely fill the small generator muffler and hose, backing up into the engines exhaust valves and into the engine itself.

Hope that's not the problem but....info just in case.

 

[hottoddie]

You might want to pull your spark plugs and check your cylinders. If you cranked it for an extended period of time, you could have siphoned water up through the exhaust into the cylinders... which once inside, wont compress/turn over / crank. If that's the case, you need to clear the water out of the cylinders, get it started, and then change the oil several times before things start to rust. There are likely others here with better more informed recommendations, but a friend saved his Kohler 5E that way.

This X2. An old generator with that few hours may have trouble starting due to fuel system problems. Generators need to run and have a load on them. For the first start of the year I like to remove the belt that drives the seawater pump and get the generator running for a minute then shut it down and reconnect the belt. Perfect chance to inspect/replace the belt and set the belt tension for the season.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

I have a can of starter fluid for the first start of the season after winter..
Give it a shot , and crank it ... starts on the first spark.