Kohler 5ECD Generator

Liberty44140

I always used straight 30w valvoline. Menards stocked it but last fall I had to order from amazon 

YYZRC

Aero, any thoughts on replacing the Kohler fuel filter with a filter mounted on the firewall?  Do you know what size barb fitting would be needed? I assume 1/4” MIP...

Thank you!

aero3113

A filter on the firewall would be nice and make things easy. I used the filter that came in the kit, just because I had it. Yes, I would think 1/4 barb is what you need. I’ll probably install a filter on the fire wall in the future, I do have another filter in a kit to use.

Black_Diamond

My filter is on the firewall, just past the valve. Mine came from Rinker with this installed  

aero3113

Ran both engines and the generator today. I didn’t get a chance to change the oil in the generator in fall so I did it today. I cut a hole in the shrink wrap for the exhaust, I also set up a “fake lake” with a hose in it to keep the bin full of water. All went well other than me not paying attention and spilling some oil in the pan. I did get a LOC (Loss of Coolant) message and it shut down. I took the cap off the top to see the coolant level and it was topped off and overflowed. I restarted it and all was good after that. Maybe some air was in there? 

rasbury

It's a fickle beast for sure...

aero3113

I came across this info while doing an Internet search the other day. Nice he took the time to lay everything out. While I was out on Monday the generator shut down on us. Turned out I checked the oil by screwing in the dipstick, don’t screw it in just place it in to check the oil level. I had to add a few ounces, all good now.

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/kohler-5e-4ef-7-3e-6ef-generator-overheating-resolved-181877.html

YYZRC

Timely info!  I just finished my work on the Genny - fuel filter, anode, plugs, oil change, impeller, etc.  Runs great!

aero3113

Nice @YYZRC !

YYZRC

Thanks Aero. So far so good... AC works too which was a surprise. 

I need to replace the bolts holding the generator panels in place - any recommendations? 

aero3113

You might be able to match them up at a hardware store. Just buy quality stainless.

aero3113

When you guys run the generator, do you normally have all breakers off, then turn them on once the generator is running?

aero3113

I’ve read, some people start them loaded, doesn’t seem good to me?

LaRea

aero3113 said:

When you guys run the generator, do you normally have all breakers off, then turn them on once the generator is running?

Yes.  Non-negotiable.  Warm it up with everything off.  Wait until you hear the RPMs kick down, and then add loads.  

reneechris14

I start with no load run about 3 min then turn on main then one at a time. Usually run heat/A/C for a while just because its the biggest load 

aero3113

Ok, thanks guys. That’s what I figured.

Liberty44140

X3

raybo3

Do the same when shutting down. Kill the breakers and let it run no load for about 5 minutes 

aero3113

Got it

aero3113

What would you say the fuel burn per hour is with the 5E?

aero3113

Found it

http://www.kohlerpower.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/g2058.pdf

aero3113

My generator seems like it wants to shut down with a heavy load. We were able to use the range and battery charger with no problem today. I wanted to add a load and turned the hot water heater on and it shut down. Yesterday I was using a Coleman 120v pump had the AC going both refrigerators and battery charger and it shut down. I had a UU code for under voltage. Any recommendations?

reneechris14

Change plugs again worked for me last year.

aero3113

@reneechris14 , You think? Not much time on these plugs.

aero3113

I have the NGK BPR4ES plugs installed, I read that if you have a sound shield you should use the NGK BPR5ES plugs, is this true?

aero3113

I kept the old plugs that were in the generator when I bought the boat, I think they only have an hour or two on them. I might install them and see how they do, there NGK PGR5A-11 , Iridium I believe. Right now it looks like the gap on them is 1.0 , does that seem correct for these plugs?

Black_Diamond

NGK BPR-4ES are the correct ones, sound cover or not. 

Those PGR plugs do not look correct. The 4ES is a long nose plug. If you choose the plugs based on the ENGINE manual you will get bad information (short nose plugs). 

The 5e will eat plugs. They can look just fine when you remove them...but they are bad. I will say since I 1) run less the sound cover service panel installed and 2) installed a bigger/better raw water strainer mine will get a few seasons of use now before changing plugs. Used to be 2x a season. 

aero3113

I have a pair of new 4ES I can install.

aero3113

@reneechris14 , before you changed the plugs would your generator take a light load with no problem then when you added more it would bog down and shut off?

reneechris14

Yes, light load sounded ok, heavy load wanted to stall. My felling is once a plug gets fouled genny says sorry.