OK so i bought boat w/ 400 hrs on kohler5e -- was overheating

americankidsII

so i replaced impeller, anode and backwashed to clean heat exchanger. tried starting again it only ran for 1-2 minutes and shut off - repeated this about 3 times and heat exchanger was cool to touch but rad cap was HOT. 
Then removed 1/4 plug on top of coolant and put in about a cup 1/2 of coolant (overflow bottle was empty but showed full under rad cap) so i filled overflow bottle. 
Tried to start gen and briefly started to fire up then just jerked and stopped. now if i hit start button i get nothing but a series of really small repetitive clicks - batteries are fully charged  
any suggestions?

aero3113

To get all of the air out of the reservoir where the cap is, you have to draw the coolant out through 1/4 plug using a hand pump with the cap on. Make sure the plastic reservoir is full than draw it through. Not sure why you are just getting clicks now. Maybe shut off all power to the generator and try again once you get the coolant correct.

aero3113

What model generator do you have? 5E or 5ECD?

americankidsII

5E MODEL

americankidsII

OK i will try the pump version for coolant this time - how much do i draw out? (sorry i am a newbie)

Aqua_Aura

Don't apologize 😁

Is there any fault codes on the generator? Maybe the thermostat is stuck that would be my next check if it was me. I searched google on this matter and the first link that came up was @aero3113 from awhile back. 

https://rinkerboats.vanillacommunities.com/discussion/10823/kohler-5e-generator-thermostat

americankidsII

great information thank you! where do i see/find fault codes? 

Aqua_Aura

The 5e may not have the LED display in the generator like mine. Maybe that one doesn't give fault codes?

americankidsII

you are correct no display on the gen 5e - TY again for input

aero3113

Aqua_Aura said:

Don't apologize 😁

Is there any fault codes on the generator? Maybe the thermostat is stuck that would be my next check if it was me. I searched google on this matter and the first link that came up was @aero3113 from awhile back. 

https://rinkerboats.vanillacommunities.com/discussion/10823/kohler-5e-generator-thermostat

Does that make me an influencer?

Aqua_Aura

I think you would have to also be in the photos wearing a bikini I suppose 🤣

aero3113

Aqua_Aura said:

I think you would have to also be in the photos wearing a bikini I suppose 🤣

I was shirtless in my AC install thread 😎

americankidsII

Is there a heat sensor or fuse that would prevent it from cranking at all? I have water in cylinders and/or hydrolocked due to water in exhaust -- oil looks normal so hopefully no further damage - so i removed spark plugs in hopes of shooting out water to dry -- but i get nothing when hit start button. Just a series of quick clicks...but no attempt to crank at all??? I am lost here...

LaRea

Yes, there are fuses on the front panel that will prevent it from cranking.  Check each fuse with a multi-meter to make sure it isn't blown.  Also check that each fuse holder screws on securely.

Black_Diamond

You may need to replace the coupling to the water pump for the genny.

As for the just clicking, try jumping the starter directly (by-pass the solenoid). 

You do have to watch backflushing the heat exchanger to not get water in the cylinders. 

aero3113

This is what @Black_Diamond is talking about.