Kohler 5E Generator Thermostat

aero3113

I’ll be replacing the thermostat in spring, does anyone have a part number or a know of a kit that includes gaskets?
Also, do you think this funnel kit will help with “burping” the system?

EPAuto Spill Proof Radiator Coolant Filling Funnel Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I40ZQWE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_w7CiEbF45XX0Z

Black_Diamond

You have chose a fun job. lol. 

Get the thermostat and the o-rings from www.partsfortechs.com. Make sure you check the genset s/n to get the right thermostat. 

I wrote a how to for the trapped air problem on here somewhere!  I’d have to look to restate it correct. I can check tomorrow as I will be working on my boat. 

rasbury

If your doing a service, I would replace the impeller AND the coupler behind the pump...also check the anode...

aero3113

rasbury said:

If your doing a service, I would replace the impeller AND the coupler behind the pump...also check the anode...

Yea, I already have that kit.

aero3113

Thanks @Black_Diamond

Black_Diamond

I’ll try to keep it simple, after the thermostat change, fill the system with 50/50 antifreeze to top. Fill overflow reservoir too. Install pressure cap. 

There is a pipe plug installed on the heat exchanger. Supposed to be for bleeding air but does not get the trapped air out. Remove plug. Install a barbed fitting (1/8” NPT I think). Attach tubing to a hand fluid pump. Pic attached. You want the pump attached for suction. Pull a vacuum on the system. Air will pull out and back fill from the reservoir...so do not let it go dry and pull in more air!  Once several ounces of antifreeze is pulled in from the reservoir, simply replace the pipe plug. Done. 

aero3113

You can’t just run it with the pressure cap off and keep topping it off till it’s full? (I guess you would have to top off the reservoir also as you go).

Black_Diamond

No. The trapped air will not self purge. You’ll get an over temp shutdown. 

aero3113

Today I went to check/change the anode. I pulled it out and it was gone. I looked in the hole, I can’t tell if it’s salt build up or the anode. So I ended up pulling the heat exchanger. I will clean it out tomorrow and get the new thermostat on order. 

aero3113

@Black_Diamond , is this the pipe plug you mentioned?

aero3113

Or this one?

aero3113

Also when I order the thermostat from www.partsfortechs.com are the o-rings included?

aero3113

It seems like it was the original thermostat, the paint on the head of the bolts were still like new, same as the anode plug.

rasbury

My anode was gone also...about time to check it again...

Dream_Inn

The top bolt is the one you want to use for bleeding. I'm betting that is the anode broken off.

aero3113

Dream_Inn said:

The top bolt is the one you want to use for bleeding. I'm betting that is the anode broken off.

A little poking and it might be salt?

rasbury

That looks like the anode scum I had in mine. 

aero3113

Yea, the more I look at it, I think it is the anode.

reneechris14

Look at you go leave no stone unturned. The bleeder is the top one, I used a hand pump to draw the antifreeze up. The over flow bottle is small so be careful not to empty it and draw air in, little it a time.

aero3113

@reneechris14 , the list never ends! LoL. How much antifreeze does the whole system take? I’m going to pick up this hand pump at Harbor Freight.

https://www.harborfreight.com/Multi-Use-Transfer-Pump-63144.html

Liberty44140

Great info, I’ve wondered several times where the bleeder was and what type of hand pump would be used. Nice work aero 

Black_Diamond

yes the top pipe plug

aero3113

Glad I did this. I cleaned it out and got a bunch of scale and even a impeller blade out. I used an acid wash I had at work but I think I’m going to bring it to a radiator shop to have it cleaned out better. I can still see some scale that didn’t come out.

rasbury

I went through mine when got our 270 5 years ago now? I did the oil change and the coolant. I did not have any issues when I started mine back up with the coolant...not sure why sounds like everyone does. I did not change the couplet right behind the impeller housing and it blew and I could not figure out when I was not pumping water so I always suggest when reading these posts about generator maintenance to replace that with the impeller...very cheap and easy to get to when your doing the impeller. I don't run the generator much, maybe have 20 hours on it so I have not touched it since but did plugs also and I try to run it a little bit every time we go out about once a month.

aero3113

Now I’m happy, I went to the Depot and picked up some muriatic acid. Did a mix of 50/50 with water and let it sit for a little bit, did it twice. Looks spotless in the heat exchanger now. Why pay someone else.

aero3113

Also flushed with baking soda and water after to neutralize the acid.

aero3113

aero3113

Does the generator take more than a gallon of antifreeze?

reneechris14

I would think so. Should more then enough.

aero3113

Thermostat and o-rings for the heat exchanger arrived, very quick shipping! Nice to see they’re Kohler parts. I have an impeller and coupler I will be replacing too. I also picked up the hand pump and barbed fitting for bleeding.

reneechris14

Use a small clear hose so you can draw just enough air till you see antifreeze. I'll same the part numbers.