www.iFourWinns.com

So the factory installed Kohler generator bit the dust in our 1997 Vista 278 with only 20.9 hours on it. Yes, you read that right - twenty point nine. The autopsy shows that repeated raw water intrusion through the exhaust ruined the main bearings, and everything else. My mechanic said literally no part was salvageable

Cause: Lack of a SIPHON BREAK installed from the factory. Water was able to make it backward in the exhaust, into the cylinder, and subsequently the crankcase. All while, you have NO IDEA it was happening until you changed the oil next, and discovered a milkshake.

Anyways, I had to remove the Kohler 4cz23, which basically looked brand new with only 20 hours on it, and buy a used one that looks like crap to go back it (but DOES already have a siphon break installed!). My mechanic says it was a poor oversight, one of which Four Winns should be notified of. I doubt they care on a 20 year old boat....

Just a warning and/or word of advice to any other Kohler Generator owner in the forums.

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1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21

If the generator sets at or below the waterline, it needs a siphon-break in the water hose between the heat ex-changer and the elbow.

A scoop strainer for the raw water intake will also cause your problem.
While underway, water is forced up the raw water intake and that actually causes the raw water feed to be under pressure that is not present while sitting at the slip or on the hook

No scoop intake... just a regular ol' thru-hull with a sea-strainer and seacock. Which, I leave always CLOSED when not in use. I was doing everything right, and still got the crappy end of the stick.

I wish FW installed the siphon break, as it is a manufacturer installed part, at least thats what Kohler Support told me when I asked why mine was missing the siphon break. Dont know if it was an oversight, by boat was made on a Friday (Might make sense as I had a forward bilge pump that was never wired to its respective circuit breaker), or if I have the worst luck in the world.

Not knowing how many other members own 278 Vistas of my vintage, and have factory installed generator (seems sorta rare) here. But just an FYI to potentially save somebody else some money and headache...

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1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21

Can you post a picture of the siphon break? We have a '96 Vista and so far I haven't seen any issues with the oil.

Thanks

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2006 Four Winns 278 Vista
1994 Stingray 609zp

_________________
1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21