My generator has turned into a milkshake machine

[GirlyGirl1999]

So thought I would cry in my kool aid with this post. New mechanic, I just posted his info, changed the starboard engine starter quick like crazy, helped me troubleshoot the VacuFlush, new switch on its way. Move over to the generator, Kohler 5E, spark plugs out with the old in with the new. They looked pretty awful as they always have. Move to the oil filter and we were talking about other stuff so he wrapped it in a baggy and put the new one on. Then he pulls the dip stick and shows me chocolate milk all they way up to the O-ring. Now it has been a good bit since I’ve run it but I always check fluids before hitting the go button and the gen oil did not look like this the last time I ran it. I didn’t take a picture because I was disgusted. It (GenSet) ran fine the last time it was run, can’t remember when. We decide to suck it out refill and see what happens. Coolant in the tank was nice and green and full btw. When his vacuum pump lost suction he had pulled out about 3 qts of milk, put a quart of oil in and by the time the oil was in the engine it was full again of milk. Sucked it down again and another 3qts milk came out. Checked coolant again, heat exchanger and expansion tank were full and green. Shut the sea cock valve off. But did not suck the engine dry (or try to) as his pump was almost full of mostly water and mine was at the house. Then revisited the filter and yep milkshake.

So we thought
Something cracked on the exhaust side?
Not being a water cooled lawn mower engine expert I am just not sure what could have let go. Be it a head gasket I would have thought coolant in the oil, it did not smell like it at all and the coolant levels stayed up. I will suck it down with the sea cock shut and see what happens probably this weekend if I feel ok.
If it’s not something that can be fixed with the GenSet in the boat then we will no longer have a GenSet and will dismantle it and remove it from the boat and find a different plan.

Guess I’ll go with the Harbor Freight 2K bungee corded to the swim platform in a plastic tote. Don’t judge me I’m depressed.
Jon

 

[Skybolt]

Hey @GirlyGirl1999 Jon, I am guessing that some how your exhaust loop has dropped and you are now inhaling sea water. Just talking out loud, but if the heat exchanger went you would see diluted anti freeze, if a head gasket went you would see some sign in anti-freeze being low. My guess based on your short summation is that sea water is coming back through your exhaust some how?

I would change the oil again, but with the sea cock shut and the exhaust disconnected. When you disconnect the exhaust try and see if water is coming back through. But either way get the generator running again or it will be toast. I am not familiar with Kohler's raw water routing, but take a look in that path. The answer is there.

 

[GirlyGirl1999]

Hey @GirlyGirl1999 Jon, I am guessing that some how your exhaust loop has dropped and you are now inhaling sea water. Just talking out loud, but if the heat exchanger went you would see diluted anti freeze, if a head gasket went you would see some sign in anti-freeze being low. My guess based on your short summation is that sea water is coming back through your exhaust some how?

I would change the oil again, but with the sea cock shut and the exhaust disconnected. When you disconnect the exhaust try and see if water is coming back through. But either way get the generator running again or it will be toast. I am not familiar with Kohler's raw water routing, but take a look in that path. The answer is there.

Yep my thoughts as well, my guy said he thought he could get to the exhaust so I’ll try and get down tomorrow and try to suck it dry again. If it stays dry then the search will begin

 

[Skybolt]

Yep my thoughts as well, my guy said he thought he could get to the exhaust so I’ll try and get down tomorrow and try to suck it dry again. If it stays dry then the search will begin

Follow the raw water path, something let go and is letting the sea water in. Probably some cooler part or the like if it's not the exhaust itself.