Quick Generator Question

rmrstlmo

I believe I inadvertently shut off the fuel line to my generator. It started and ran fine (not sure for how long) then quit. I'm guessing that I need to prime it to get it to start again? Also, is the filter in the photo a fuel filter? Looks huge to me.

Black_Diamond

You probably won't feel pressure at the fuel pump, too small for that. Try running a hose from a small gas can to the fuel pump.  Dump in some fuel system cleaner at the same time and run it through.

Just to make sure, you know there are (2) plugs in the genset.  Always replace both, as note earlier they eat them up even if they look OK they can and probably are bad.

Dream_Inn

Yes, you will probably need to prime.  It is in the manual and pretty easy to do (basically you hold one button while releasing air/gas out of the shrader valve).  As far as the pic, from what I can see it looks like a water separator for the fuel?

rmrstlmo

Thanks but i couldn't find any thing in the manuals. I took the cover off and don't see a shrader valve. Where would it be.

Weber

Easiest way is to fill the seperator with fuel and then install it. Make sure you have at least a half of tank of gas, or it will not run.

Weber

It's a seperator. There should be a small filter right before the fuel pump. You can't see it without disassembling the panels to the genny. Don't worry about the small filter unless you know you have crap in your lines, just replace the seperator every year.

Black_Diamond

Interesting, my fuel line to my gen only has the clear filter, no water seperator. 2003 342. The 5e has an electric fuel pump so it will prime itself.

rmrstlmo

Removed the fuel and water separator only to find it was full of fuel. Upon further investigation I discovered that it is not getting spark. Must have been a coincidence that I messed up up the fuel supply at same time something happened to the spark. According to the manual: ignition control module is a likely cause. Any other things to try?

Weber

Make sure you were checking for spark with a good ground. Lots of the genny parts are painted and will not conduct.

raybo3

Did you try changing the plugs? These genny's eat plugs like candy.....

TonyWalker

One thing that probably is not in the manual is that these things "eat" spark plugs.  Even though the plugs probably look just fine, replacing them may be the solution.  That is if the ignition module is functional and is not the problem.

Tony

Salt Shaker 342

TikiHut2

Also search the archive for Kohler. There have been a few good threads on these gensets with a number of variable issues and you might find your no spark answer there. 

TonyWalker

Raybo and I must be on the same schedule.  lol

raybo3

I was thinking the same thing........LOL

rmrstlmo

Thanks to everyone, getting closer. I don't think I was getting a good ground when checking the spark earlier. Now I am, and I replaced the spark plug anyway. I remove the fuel line at the carb and no fuel when cracking the engine. I checked the connections on the fuel pump and they seem fine. When I crank the engine and place my finger over the end of the fuel inlet tube I don't feel any pressure. I'm gussing I should? So does this sound like a fuel pump?

rmrstlmo

Ran out of time today. I'll probably let my marina guy look at so it is ready to go for next time. Thanks for the help.

Weber

For fuel issues I always connect a portable tank to the genny. If it fires and runs with no problems, you know it's nothing in the genny itself. It's either separator, fuel lines, pick up tube, ect. If it doesn't run on the portable tank, then it's in the genny. Although there may still be an issue with the fuel supply.

Dream_Inn

well, you're right.  I didn't see anything in the 5E manual for bleeding the air out of the fuel line.  I know for my genny it is one of the main causes for issues.  I hear you on having it ready to go for next time!