I fixed my 5ECD Generator

Spyderweb

Arrived at storage marina to pick up boat on launch day to find it in water at dock, but 2 mechanics inside trying to start the genny.  It did nothing when set to AUTO, and only clicked on RUN and showed code SFCO.  I got out the manual and checked "Trouble Shooting".  No mention of SFCO, but manual suggested weak starting battery and 4 separate fuses.  Mechanics put load tester on battery and it showed good.  Started pulling fuses, but with the Kohler's fuses being opaque white you can't tell if bad (whose idea was white fuses?).  One went to get fuses, and another to get volt meter.  Replaced 2 fuses and still nothing. When volt meter arrived, it showed the 2 original to be good.  Looking dim.  They also tried cleaning battery cables, but no change.  About this time they said that's about all they could do (it was past quitting time and I was paying for this).  I agreed, and I took the boat on the 2 mile ride to my home marina.

Real bummer start to season as I also learned the day before that both water pumps were shot and needed replacement.  This was learned when they removed them to install new impellers.  And they are back ordered till sometime in July.  They reinstalled them and said to keep an eye on temps with my VVM.

So, not real optimistic that I'd have any luck the next morning, but I would try.  Mentioned this to my marina tech and he said not likely a fuse, but a battery could test OK but still lack enough CCA, so try a jumper box.  So 1st I tried jumper cables from engine starter battery.  Still just got clicking but quicker.  Then went to the fuses. Thought you just turn and pull out to remove, but this didn't work.  Took about 10 minutes to figure out you have to push in, then turn and pull out.  The simplest things can throw me.  Then methodically started checking continuity on each fuse, starting with #1 of 7.  Everything was good till I tried #6.  And it was bad.  And that was good.  Popped the switch over to RUN and she fired right up.  

Isn't a better feeling in the world!     

LaRea

Glad to hear it!  But when those white fuses blow from overcurrent, they get discolored.  I'm not sure how it could fail and still be white on the outside.  

Spyderweb

Oh, that would work.  Although my bad one looked the same as the good ones.

Liberty44140

Nice work. Glad it was relatively simple 

YYZRC

Mine says SCFO but runs fine. @Spyderweb did you decode the code?

Spyderweb

Maybe it just routinely shows that when starting, perhaps means nothing.

aero3113

Spyderweb said:

Maybe it just routinely shows that when starting, perhaps means nothing.

I think it does

LaRea

SCF0
Controller error
Indicates a software or communication problem within the ADC 2100.

Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues.

(ADC 2100 is the controller board)

aero3113

Now that I think of it, I think mine was putting out that code before I replaced my injector. It was showing a bunch of electrical codes, once the injector was replaced all the codes went away.

YYZRC

Mine is running rough at initial start-up but after a minute or so it runs great.  How expensive were the injectors @aero3113 ? 

aero3113

Double check the part number. There’s only one injector that’s used for both cylinders. There’s a bleed procedure that needs to be done once you install it, very easy.

https://www.partsfortechs.com/asapcart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2095

YYZRC

Thanks @aero3113 - what led you to replace it?

aero3113

One word of caution. 

When you remove the injector you will get some fuel on top of the generator, also when you bleed the system. The fuel will strip the paint off of the fuel tubing. Be careful not to get any of the paint chips in the system.

aero3113

@YYZRC , when I put a heavy load on, it would stall.

YYZRC

Thanks @aero3113!  Will keep an eye on it.

Spyderweb

Started genny yesterday and checked for code.  No code.   So must be no code when it works alright.