www.iFourWinns.com

I swear this forum is a bunch of chasers.

Every time I turn around, it's "did you check this? that? what about that?"

I love it... makes me get to know the generator that much more. JValich - if you can provide some detail on that ground, I'll definitely take a look for it.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

It's kind of like when your computer won't boot. The first thing the manual says is "Check to see if it is plugged in." Then the second thing it says is to go on line and download some file or something. That's always easy to do when your computer WON'T BOOT!!

AMEN, I would much rather have a generator that wont start than a computer that wont boot. I hate computers problems....!!! Having said that the more things have electronic controls the more they act like computers that wont boot when there are problems...

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Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

When I first got my 378 (2006) the generator would turn over but would not start. After tinkering with it while in the North Channel, the only way I could get it to start was to get into the engine compartment, take the sound shield off, manually push the trottle open and hit the starter switch on the unit. It would fire immediately.

The dealer adjusted the tension on the spring tied to the throttle and I have not had a problem since.

Hope this helps.

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Lime Cutter
'06 378 Vista
Lake St Clair, MI
Mac Ray Harbor

Well... the issue isn't resolved, but at least we know what the problem is.

The Kohler Service rep came out as scheduled. We started discussing the issues - we verified all connections were good and determined that there was a fuel delivery issue.

Isolate the issue - pre or post generator. Stuck a fuel line into a 5 gallon gas can - generator started right up! Right back in action.

Started the short process of tracing back the gas line - checked the fuel filter... fine. Stuck a little 12 volt pump on the end of the line from the gas tank... She's sucking air big time.

1/2 a tank of fuel should not suck air. Seems we have a little issue with the fuel pick up tube.

some 10 dollar plastic part that the inside mid berth cabinetry has to be disassembled to access.

Kohler guy can't charge this under Kohler warranty - so out came the checkbook. FW will hopefully reimburse that little charge.

And - order up the part from FW and we'll see if the new dealer here in Seattle stands up to their service!

Next week the 318 goes in for bottom paint, so I'm looking at an end of March fix.

At least I know it wasn't something I did.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Nice to know you have a solution. Bummer about the $.

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

Cougar,

I am glad to hear you finally found the culprit. I hope FW makes it right by you, it's not your responsibility to pay to have something fixed that shouldn't have left the factory that way.

I sure hope my next boat (if there ever is a next boat) that has a generator, doesn't experience some of the issues I've read about on the net.

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Brett DiMichele

I asked the service tech about the Kohler 5ECD generator - which is the standard genny on the newer gas cruisers.

He said it's a solid performer. The impeller is a VERY easy change as long as you have access to the starboard side of the generator. All of the equipment on it is robust - and he showed me the various diagnostic tricks to narrow down issues.

And FYI -- I had one of the veins of the impeller that followed a different direction as the others - the tech said it's kind of normal for the Kawasaki engine that powers the generator. When the generator shuts down, there is a kick back on the crank at the very end that will/could cause that. He said not to worry.

Changing the oil and filter is easy from the front of the unit. The back spark plug is do-able but a PIA.

He said the only issue is there is an ECM module on the backside of the unit -- if that thing goes -- then you're in for a treat. At the very least you have to unbolt the unit and pull is as far forward for access as possible. Fortunately, he said he's worked on a couple hundred of these units and that was the issue only once or twice.

Be aware of the exhaust routing and make sure it's elevated enough to not let water in. Keep the fuel filter clean (ie, don't forget to change it during oil changes). Change the plugs. She should run like a champ.

Most of the issues they see are not with the generator iteself, but seem to be more installation related (as in my case).

All in all -- I liked the service tech alot. Kohler has a 5 year warranty (2.5 full, 2.5 parts).

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Cougar,

My last John Deere tractor had the same engine these generators have (25HP Liquid Cooled V Twin Kaw) and let me say, it's a SOLID engine. When I traded my Deere 425 in, it had 1118 hours of use and did not smoke, did not chew through any oil and idled like a top!

The biggest issue with these generators is water ingestion due to improper installation. I can only hope that Four Winns know how to install them and uses the appropriate siphon break (which costs more money).

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Brett DiMichele

Looks like I'm out money on the impellar thing. I thought you might be getting some type of cavitation and that low volume was spazzing out a sensor and the ecm or something. When I was in the marine biz, nothing was computerized. Sounds like a realy good tech to have in your neighborhood!

I know this subject is a year old but I have the same issue with my genny on the same boat. I do suspect it's the pickup in the tank. Do you have the part number for the part the tech replaced? Can I do this myself?

It hasn't been replaced. I just keep the gas tanks full. Works fine.

They have to disassemble part of the cabin to get to the tank. I haven't found anyone I trust enough to do this job.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Well mine did that 1/2 tank thing for 1 season and I did the same,, just kept the tank full then at the end of last season it would not work on a full tank. Just got it out of storage so I will be working on it this weekend to see what the problem is. Great job on the pics and description.. this really helps.

I have the same generator and boat as Cougar and my Genny will not even attempt to start. Makes 1 crank and that is it. Battery is good. My engines started fine. Check connections seemed fine. Oil is good. My impeller was destroyed so I changed that but still no luck. Any ideas? Sensor maybe??

If the issue is cranking the generator over, then it's not the same issue I have.

check your battery connections and grounds -- they have been known to be problematic.

Otherwise, it cranks once and stops? As in, it goes through 1 'cycle' of starting and stops? What's the code that the generator spits out? 'LOC'?

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA