kohler gen. keeps fouling plugs?

[streaga51]

I just purchased a 02 310 dancer with a Kohler Gen. It ran fine during the survey. Since then I've had trouble getting it running. Today I put 2 new plugs in and a Fuel filter. It started and ran fine. I ran it for 10 min. and shut it down. I then went to start it later and I'm back to same senerio, it almost starts but will not stay running. I didn't go any further but I'm sure if I clean the plugs it will start. What else can I check?

 

[Hampton]

Start it. Run it for 1 minute or 2, then load it up. Run it loaded. Do not run it without a load or you will eat some plugs.

 

[Stray Cat]

I disconnected the water lines that run from my stbd engine to the water heater heat exchanger. I just looped the hose from the stbd engine's outlet and back to the return. I don't heat water while the engine runs, which allows me to put a decent load on the generator with the water heater shortly after I start it up. Otherwise unless you're running AC or heat, continuously, it can be a challenge to put enough of a load for a long period.

Also, make certain the PO used the correct plugs.

 

[streaga51]

Good point about the plugs. I just replaced what was in there. Which was NGK BPR4ES. The manual shows two Kohler part numbers. One for AS04 and BS04 which
doesn't mean anything since only reference I have is Model 5E.

Thanks for the response.

 

[streaga51]

Does anyone know the correct spark plug for a Kohler 5E?

 

[Stray Cat]

Does anyone know the correct spark plug for a Kohler 5E?

Looks like you are using the right plug. Here is a thread with a lot of discussion.
http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19803&highlight=kohler+spark+plug

 

[bluebelly]

Sounds like your Choke is stuck. If you are fouling plugs you can almost be certain you have a Choke that is not opening properly.

 

[firecadet613]

The choke is real easy to adjust. Find the mechanism, and loosten the two flathead screws holding it down a bit, don't remove. Turn is a 1/8 or 1/4 turn in the direction the arrow is pointing to lean it out a bit, and its adjusted.

 

[streaga51]

Thanks all, it was the choke. I made the adjustment, and it runs fine.

 

[Hampton]

Thanks all, it was the choke. I made the adjustment, and it runs fine.

Thanks for the update and new data point for my mental charting. It could very well happen to me someday.

 

[firecadet613]

Good to hear it was an easy fix!