Kohler 5E missing under load

Good 2 Go

Good 2 Go

Member
Jun 16, 2008
146
Bohemia River, Chesapeake Bay
Boat Info
2004 340 Sundancer
Sea Lift Hydraulic Platform Lift
10'4" Achilles, 15 HP Mercury 2 Stroke
Engines
Twin 8.1s V-Drives
I have a Kohler 5E on my 04 340, at the end of last season it started to miss and pop under load. Though I didn't pull out the impeller it has good water flow out the exhaust so assume it's okay, that said I have seen post about a water pressure switch causing shut down, but mine does not shut down, it just develops the miss under load when the AC kicks on. Before layup looking for a quick and easy I replaced he spark plugs but didn't help. No error codes on the smart craft.

Looking for a game plan when I commission in late March so I can have it resolved shortly after spring launch, sometimes need the heat in April here on the upper Chesapeake Bay.

Has anyone encountered this behavior? Any ideas short of expensive service call from a service tech?
 
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When was the last time you changed fuel filter? May be running lean.
 
check your plugs. Should change them soon if you have not done so before.
 
I had the same issue when i first bought my 320. I changed the plugs and it fixed it. Easy fix to see if that works first. If that doesnt work, then i'd replace the fuel filter. Hope that works for you.
 
New plugs, they are fouled.
 
Second place to check is the choke is sticking.
 
Yes I did the quick and easy items, new plugs and fuel filter before winter lay up but the condition still persisted.

In reading all the post I could find it seems the sensor or relay problems all cause the engine to stop running, not the missing under load.

Another 7 weeks and I'll be wet again so guess I have to spend some time doing real trouble shooting then.

Thanks.
 
This may not apply but my previous John Deere garden tractor had a twin cylinder carberated Kawaski engine just a little bit bigger than what Kohler uses on the 5E. When I had problems after replacing spark plugs it was due to a dirty air cleaner element. If you haven't replaced it, do so and see if that fixes the missing problem.
 
Yep, checked that also but guess what, there is no air cleaner element, I was surprised. There is only a black metal cover plate that apparently serves as a backfire/flame arrest device, it draws the air from down below the carburetor but no filter of any type.

The choke is the only thing mentioned so far I didn't check last fall, according to the manual it's electric. Maybe if it's not opening all the way and not enough air under load is causing the miss and popping going on. ??

Starting this thread has me wanting to go down right now and fool with it but will have to wait a few more weeks.
 
Looked at the plug wires, under load the spark maybe leaking to ground?
 
If your plugs are new, your fuel filter is replaced, and the problem still persists, I would look towards the carb being dity. All it takes is a tiny spec of dirt to clog one of the jets and you'll get that miss/pop.

Doug
 
Get yourself a can of PB Blaster Small Engine Tune-up Spray and spray it into the carb for 15 secs. I've found it at Lowes for $5. I'm a big fan of PB Blaster products and this is not exception. I use it on all my small engines periodically (once year).
 
Thanks all for the input, will check and probably replace the plug wires, probably a good idea at 6 years old. After that if still not right will take the carb off and give it a 'blow job' in case I picked some stuff up in one of the jets. Or maybe some PB Blaster, never heard of it but worth a try.
 
Well the manual makes no mention of the mounted fuel filter on the unit or the thermostat location Einstein. I have found a lot of helpful information out here from fellow boaters it's a shame a few jerks post things like the above.


Maybe in your next life you can own a real boat.
 
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Good 2 Go said:
Well the manual makes no mention of the mounted fuel filter on the unit or the thermostat location Einstein. I have found a lot of helpful information out here from fellow boaters it's a shame a few jerks post things like the above.


Maybe in your next life you can own a real boat.
Click to expand...

Slow your roll cowboy. It was in jest. I even put the emoticon to show that.

Go back in your thread and you'll see I gave you some helpful advice.

No need to be spiteful. :smt018

Doug
 
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