Opened the engine hatch and found this...

gack

Not sure what this does exactly, but it connects to the exhaust of the Kohler genny.  Looks like the top of it exploded off.  Looks easy enough to replace, anyone know where I can get one?  Can call the mfg. if needed.

gack

Did some research and found that this is actually the muffler for the genny.  Had a backfire the other day and I guess this is the result.  Anyone know the part number for it?

Liberty44140

Yep that's the genny muffler. Mine backfired this past spring due to me adjusting the choke too rich. Blew the muffler. Here is the repalacement, I installed this and then let a pro take over the choke issue. Ended up replacing the choke entirely:
https://m.ebay.com/itm/232448385941?_mwBanner=1

gack

@Liberty44140 - Thanks for the help.  Just ordered one.

Boatrupt

I just had the exact same thing happen to mine.  Went off like a bomb!  Unfortunately, the muffler on my 2004 342 for Kohler 5E is a "specialty item" according to Centek since the intake is located on the bottom off the muffler rather than the top as they are now.  3 weeks to manufacture a new one at twice the cost!  May try a larger muffler and see if it fits.

Liberty44140

Boatrupt, how is yours positioned? On an 04 it should be the same as mine. Any pics of your set up? 

gack

Intake is at the bottom of the muffler I installed also.  Most likely the same muffler as @liberty44140 suggests.

reneechris14

Bottom and back

reneechris14

Zoom in the part # on the front