Kohler 5ECD Generator

aero3113

What type oil and coolant are you guys using in your generator? Same oil as engines? 

The Main Exchange

SAE 30 oil in the generator, regular coolant.

Black_Diamond

Small engines like in the 5e prefer straight 30w, or they will use more oil.  I run a straight weight 30w synthetic and it comes out as clean as it goes in. That is with me using the genny weekly. 

For the coolant, just a quality 50/50 antifreeze mix works fine. 

aero3113

I stole this pic from a different thread. This is what my coolant looks like, doesn’t look like 50/50?

reneechris14

Yup that what mine is the pink stuff like GM. It has more acid then the green stuff. 

aero3113

So what brand do I buy?

Black_Diamond

Either color/brand is acceptable. I used Prestone when I changed mine. If you are just adding more, stay with the same color type is what I would do. 

Liberty44140

Same as above, I use sae 30wt, hard to find locally so I buy it on amazon. Got oem filter on eBay for $13. I use the green premixed coolant from Walmart, either Preston or Walmart brand... ok to use with any color.

PickleRick

30wt shouldnt be too hard to find as obs ford diesels ran 30wt and most common lawn mower engines also run 30wt.  If you dont find it in the automotive section go to the lawn equipment section.  A lawn equipment shop will also have the 30wt oil on hand.

Just make sure it says HD(high detergent) on the bottle as pressure washer pumps use an ND(non detergent) and both can be found in the same section lawn equipment section.

If you dont see 30wt on the shelf at your local auto parts store ask them to check the back but there should at least be rotella 1 gallon 30wt out there.  

Spyderweb

My Walmart hasn't carried 30W for a couple of years.  Have to find it at auto parts store.

PickleRick

At Wal-Mart you'll find it with the lawn equipment stuff, chainsaw bar oil and lawn mower air filters.  Will probably be Briggs and Stratton brand

reneechris14

thats the filter i just put on my 5e. Could only get a quart of oil out with the extractor. Tought it was  1.4 so 66% is good. 25 hours this year bring me to 179 hours total runs like a champ.

aero3113

@reneechris14 , you don’t have an oil drain?

bella-vita

I suck the oil out of the oil check dip stick also fill it from their just  because it’s easy . Their is a drain 

reneechris14

@aero3113 yes with a petcock valve and a 3/8s barb fitting put a fuel line on there the last 2 years and got about 16oz out. So I tried the extractor this year and got about a quart. 33% those years and 66% this year eventually I will get there lol

reneechris14

its open in this pic

rasbury

If your doing a service on the impeller, don't forget the little coupler on the other side of the pump body.. and check your anode in the tank...

aero3113

Anyone have a pic of where the anode is located? I looked for it today but couldn’t find it.

Black_Diamond

On the cylindrical heat exchanger, towards the end facing you with the service cover off.  Will be at about 8 o’clock, hex head. Just unscrews... if no build up on it. 

aero3113

Do you guys recommend this tune up kit? I already have a spare coupler. Is there any other you recommend that might include more parts/oil also?

StayCoolPumps SCP Maintenance Service Kit with Spark Plugs for Kohler Marine Generator Models 4EF 5E 6EF 7.3E https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MY7R1IE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XZt1DbETVPXWV

Liberty44140

I don’t see any problems with it. Per BDs advice I eliminated my in line fuel filter. I had a wall mounted filter/water separator so I was more than covered and those little filters are not the best, but if your leaving yours in place then this kit may be cheaper than individual. I did plugs annually, impeller every other year, anode every 3 years, oil filter annually with oil and then the coupler I did once in 4 years, I think once every 5 years is fine but I know others replace their coupler more and less often. 

aero3113

Wall mounted fuel filter would be nice, do you remember what setup you used?

Spyderweb

@Liberty44140, When you replace your anode, do you notice any wear?  When I bought my 330 2 years ago, marina owner/broker said I didn't need to replace anode because boat is in fresh water.  

Liberty44140

Usually no wear, but they are corroded, so the years that I dont change it I would still remove it and lightly sand it. You dont want it to get so corroded that it gets wider and then you cant get it out. 

Liberty44140

Hey Aero I have the part number for the filter, but not the device, came with the boat

aero3113

Ok, thanks @Liberty44140. 

The link to the kit I posted, It doesn’t state what material the anode is. Anyone know of a kit with a zinc anode in it?

aero3113

The seller got back to me, it’s a zinc anode.

Liberty44140

Yea I’ve never seen an anode for the 5e other than zinc 

rasbury

When I got our boat the Genny had 100 hours on it and when I pulled the anode, it was gone! I don't run it that often (heading for trouble with that) so I have not checked it since but need to.

aero3113

I’m going to order some 30wt for the generator. Anyone use the Kohler brand oil? 

Black_Diamond

I’ve been using Neo Synthetic 30W. Stuff comes out as clean as going in. That is with running the genny weekly too.