Kohler 5e Generator Coolant Flushing

[KevinC]

I am looking for any tips and advise on flushing my coolant on the Kohler 5e as this will be my first time doing it. My unit calls for Dexcool and I have no idea if that is actually what is in there so I would like to completely flush my system before refilling. I do not want to take a chance on creating the coolant sludge/gel by mixing incompatible types.

Also, once this is flushed am I better off sticking with Dexcool or switching out to one of the coolants that is listed compatible with all types?

My unit does have the bleeder on top so at least I don't need to drill and tap one.

Thanks in advance,
-Kevin

 

[Little Ducky]

I inadvertently had to flush 4kW out when I broke off the anode in the heat exchanger.

I removed the heat exchanger to get better access and used a garden hose and flushed until clean.

In my case it had a bunch of sediment in the exchanger it took a little bit of time to get it all out.

Once everything was put back together I ran the unit for about 15 minutes with the coolant cap removed and just added coolant as needed until all the air was out of the system. On the old 4kW the coolant reservoir cap was the highest point of the system so it was easy to monitor and manage w/o coolant everywhere.

 

[KevinC]

I inadvertently had to flush 4kW out when I broke off the anode in the heat exchanger.

I removed the heat exchanger to get better access and used a garden hose and flushed until clean.

In my case it had a bunch of sediment in the exchanger it took a little bit of time to get it all out.

Once everything was put back together I ran the unit for about 15 minutes with the coolant cap removed and just added coolant as needed until all the air was out of the system. On the old 4kW the coolant reservoir cap was the highest point of the system so it was easy to monitor and manage w/o coolant everywhere.

Thanks for the helpful info but I was looking for anything specific to the flushing procedure on the 5e generator.

-Kevin

 

[Wanderer 290]

I have a 5e and do the following….
Remove the coolant hose where it attaches to the engine block (see photo).
After draining reattach and fill with fresh water. Run for 10 minutes to open the thermostat and monitor the water level in the heat exchanger during the process as more water will need to be added.
After the unit cools down disconnect the coolant hose at the block once more to drain the fresh water.
Then reattach the coolant hose and start the refill process with water and anti freeze.
I add a quart of anti freeze then a quart of fresh water. Continue filling using equal parts of water and anti freeze to maintain a 50/50 mix.
To get the genny completely full and eliminate air pockets a few cycles of starting and bring the unit up to operating temp then topping off will be required. Finally, there is a small plug on top of the heat exchanger the needs to be removed for final top off of coolant.
I use the coolant that is compatible will all.
This process has worked for my genny for 12+ years.

 

[KevinC]

I have a 5e and do the following….
Remove the coolan

Thanks, looks/sounds pretty simple.

-Kevin