Kohler 5E Gen Set issues

[Boatguy49036]

Our new to us 2004 390 Sundancer Kohler 5E genset worked fine on Sea Trial and into the first couple of weekends into summer. Then one weekend, after working great the weekend before, it wouldn’t start. It did turn over and would begin to run, then die. I had it serviced and they dropped in new plugs. While there, they did a complete service including coolant and oil change and impeller. It’s worked great last three weekends. When I say weekends, I mean it starts and when we get underway, it’s usually for at least a couple hours and I’m running fridge, freezer, AC and outlets so it’s under load. Came to boat this weekend and back to Not starting, turns over and almost fires off but won’t run. Let it sit and tried later in the day and next day. Sounds like it wants to run but as soon as you let off switch, it dies again. We’re in fresh water, fresh fuel. Help!

 

[hynespa]

Hey @Boatguy49036 - that almost exactly summarizes my Kohler generator issue too. Found out previous owner sunk about $4k into it just before sea trial - but now not working again! I’ll be interested to hear what they find out the problem is...

 

[JimT]

Welcome to Kohler hell. The most frustrating system on my last two boats.

 

[cstinehour]

I had the same symptoms and we replaced the fuel pump. Starts great now.

 

[scoflaw]

Check to make sure your choke operates as it should

 

[dtfeld]

This sound like when older gas engines had moisture in the ignition system, had to pull the cap off dry out the contacts and points. Is there something like this on the Kohler (I'm assuming most of it is electronic ignition these days though)?

 

[Happy Dayz]

yes.. check choke.. mine was just hanging up...

...and welcome to the 5e insanity

 

[Boatguy49036]

Thanks for reply’s, I’ll keep you posted.