www.iFourWinns.com

I have had my boat tech working on my Kohler 5E generator for a while now trying to get it to run for for an extended period of time. He has changed the fuel pump (bought at an automotive store), fuel line, spark plug and oil. It runs for a hour or two and then shuts down and won't restart. He knows it is a fuel delivery issue because after it shuts down, he will loosen the copper fuel line that connects to the carberator and no fuel sprays out when he tries to crank it (as opposed to when he first starts it, he gets fuel spray). I searched the forum and found cougarcruiser's thread about his problem with his generator (viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2861&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=kohler+fuel+pump&start=30) and the outcome seems to be either replace a $10 part (fuel pick up tube) that you can't get to or keep your fuel tanks full (I keep mine around 1/2 full). Is this it or is there something else my tech can do to resolve this issue? Could it be the non-Kohler fuel pump he installed? If it is the fuel pick up tube, where is it located on a 5E? Thanks.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

Are you sure it's a fuel problem? Did the mechanic test the pump? Also, I do not recommend replacing the spark shielded kohler fuel pump with an automotive grade component.

It could be another fault and the gen control system is disabling the fuel pump. I would take a close look at the coolant level. These generators are very sensitive to low coolant. Have you checked the basics?

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2014 Vista V435
2011 Glastron GT180
2013 Sea Doo RXT-260

Coolant level is fine and have been down that road with a Kohler in the past and tech has tested the fuel pump numerous times. I filled my fuel tanks up today and it ran for 4 hours or so and then quit which is better than before (usually 2 hours). I think I am going to purchase the Kohler recommended fuel pump and see what it does. Getting closer though.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

have you replaced the inline fuel filter? It usually goes un-noticed. mine runs a lot better after i did.

possible your fuel tubing is collapsing. replace all tubing back to your tank.

have you replaced impeller on raw water? gen will shutoff if it detects low flow/increased temp.

Our gen will shutdown at just under 1/4 tank of fuel. This is because fuel pickup is mounted off bottom of tank so you wont run dry and have no gas for engine.

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2006 348 Vista
"Cruisin Home"
Hampton NH

Tech replaced fuel line all the way from fuel pump to the generator valve with one piece instead of two. There was a split in the line at the valve and that might be why it ran longer (along with full tanks). Impellar was replaced last year so that should not be the issue but I don't know if he replaced the inline fuel filter. I will get him to try that next. Thanks.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

In line fuel filter : p/n: # 267987

small device

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2006 348 Vista
"Cruisin Home"
Hampton NH

fule filter

http://www.partsfortechs.com/asapcart/2 ... p-758.html

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2006 348 Vista
"Cruisin Home"
Hampton NH

UPDATE: OP here. My tech finally figured out that the check valves to the gas tanks were too tight. He stated that he could barely get air through one which is ok with the big engines but the generator engine just can't pull the gas through. After he adjusted them, I ran my Kohler with a full load (AC included) for 6 hours on Saturday and it finally didn't cut off. Even though he tuned it up, replaced the fuel pump and fuel line before he found the problem, I am happy with the outcome. I am sure there are many boaters out there who just gave up on their generators.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

good news. My friend had same thing happen on his center console last season. always last thing you suspect.

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2006 348 Vista
"Cruisin Home"
Hampton NH