new kohler generator won't run

[The motor guy]

My dad bought a new generator for his boat. He spent like $12,000 bucks on it. I think it's a 5k genset, but basically the thing hasn't run correctly from day one and has had Kohler look at it several times. I told him he needs to ask for his money back, since they can't get it to work. Usually it starts and runs, but for some unknown reason it will shutoff after 10 minutes or so.

Opinions?

 

[Trav]

Its either loosing spark or fuel, go from there. It might be something like a low oil pressure sending unit shutting down when the oil gets thinner, lots of obscure things can go wonky.

 

[eljefino]

I agree with the low oil shutdown thing

 

[Langanobob]

Or a faulty fuel tank vent. It sure seems like the Kohler techs would've checked this kind of simple stuff first, though.

 

[Superflop]

If kohler has already messed with it several times and its still dying id be after getting it replaced. I sure wouldnt work on it myself after that much outlay.

 

[SatinSilver]

Originally Posted By: Superflop
If kohler has already messed with it several times and its still dying id be after getting it replaced. I sure wouldnt work on it myself after that much outlay.


+1, for a replacement unit. Get corporate involved.

 

[jhellwig]

I have worked on some large standby Kohlers and was not impressed with the whole experience. Their techs don't know much other than what is in the book and the books are not great. Parts are expensive and the electronics are not very robust.

If the regulator is not working right it will look like an engine issue. It will make you chase your tail.

 

[Kamele0N]

CDI unit or tank vent...

 

[Matagonka]

12k?

Demand replacement or money back.

 

[racer12306]

What I expect from a brand new piece of equipment like this...

1. Add whatever fluids it didn't ship with.
2. Add battery
3. Add fuel
4. It starts.

If it doesn't do that someone needs to fix it and they only get so many tries until I get a new one.

If they've already looked at it a few times and it still isn't working, they need to get you a new one.

 

[jeepman3071]

Originally Posted By: racer12306
What I expect from a brand new piece of equipment like this...

1. Add whatever fluids it didn't ship with.
2. Add battery
3. Add fuel
4. It starts.

If it doesn't do that someone needs to fix it and they only get so many tries until I get a new one.

If they've already looked at it a few times and it still isn't working, they need to get you a new one.


This.

I assume it has a warranty for 12 grand?

I'd avoid Kohler at all costs. Their older engines and gensets were bullet proof. The newer stuff is all China, it even says so right on the engine tag.

 

[Donald]

Run it off a gas tank designed for outboard engines. As a test.

Gas tank vent or pickup.

What fuel are the boat engines? Gas or diesel?

 

[Dr_Who]

Originally Posted By: Matagonka
12k?

Demand replacement or money back.


BINGO!

Why fool around especially when you spent a ton of money on the purchase.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
Opinions?


Let daddy take care of it.

 

[The motor guy]

The generator hydro locked and bent a push rod. This is engine number two, same thing happened to the other engine they installed.

 

[jhellwig]

How in the world is it hydro locking? Is the tank above it?

 

[The motor guy]

This one had about an hour of run time on it.

 

[The motor guy]

Originally Posted By: jhellwig
How in the world is it hydro locking? Is the tank above it?


I don't know.

 

[Kamele0N]

Opposed piston engine?

 

[Eddie]

Get the money back and buy from another manufacture. Ed