Generator rebuild

[RaRa]

Boys and girls, my 32 ft. Montego has a Kohler 6.5 kw generator. Has issues starting and running. Got the guys out, and they say it will be more cost and time efficient to pull that thing out. My bad back concurs with trying to get back down there. The question, solitician of opinions, or whatever, do I go for the new carb, possibly a new starter and cooling system on a 1987 unit? A new unit would be NEW, not old pistons, rings etc?
What say you?

[bud37]

Well I guess it would hinge on how many hours are on the gen.....you can check, but I believe the marine gennies to be fairly expensive, so a comparison of the costs involved to repair and upgrade as opposed to a brand new one with all the bells and whistles would be warranted here.

[Viper]

Have they determined why it's not starting or running right? I wouldn't be removing it until I had a definite answer to that first. Unless access is really bad in your application, what is it that they can't get to without removing the unit, and how much work does it need? is it so much that it can't be done in place?

The old unit are pretty robust and worth rebuilding unless there are major internal issues. I don't know about down your way but up here, a new marine generator of that size if over $10K CAN$. Of course that's only about $1K US$

What model you have?

[buster53]

I'll throw this out there FWIW...
I had problems with my Kohler last summer, starting/running and had a tech guy work on it several times and we were baffled. Then one day he just happened to mention that there was a check valve in the fuel line right at or just inside the fuel tank...that's how they were made. Anyway, we put in a new check valve and so far, no issues since.

[tomschauer]

Its more than likely a fuel issue. Gummed up carb, inline filter or failing fuel pump. I personally would try to fix it before spending 7+k for a new one.

[buster53]

Source of the post Its more than likely a fuel issue. Gummed up carb, inline filter or failing fuel pump. I personally would try to fix it before spending 7+k for a new one.

We knew I had a fuel issue as well. Checked the fuel lines, changed filter, new fuel pump, cleaned the carb. That's when the subject of the check valve came up. Replaced it and life is good.

[Viper]

Source of the post.....check valve in the fuel line right at or just inside the fuel tank....

That would be the anti-siphon valve. They are at the connection port on top of the tank. It's the fitting that the fuel hose hooks up to. They do fail.

[Keith S]

Since Kohler got out of the marine gas generator business, Westerbeke is the only game in town. The prices reflect that and a new generator will cost your 10K+. I would start with a compression test to see what condition your engine is then proceed from there.

[RaRa]

Sorry for delay, been in hospital.
Quote for new one is around #12-14k, no labor included. The idea of setting a portable from favorite big boy toy store and use it only out fishing so the Admiral can nap in the cool seems better and better. Run an insulated pipe way above neck with heavy cord below.
The starting issue I’d the carb. Squirt it with start fluid, push button bang! It has now developed a starter issue. I suspect it ls like older cars and the solenoid is stuck. I am just not as able to crawl in when I was 20 on my Ford Galaxy 500!
Ideas?

[bud37]

Source of the post Ideas?

Hope you are feeling better.

Considering the estimate, why not pay someone to repair it. The reality is you would have to buy the other one then cords etc.etc..., Running the onboard will be much safer than a portable noise maker on the boat .......they are just unsafe period.

I know , I know, other people run them and are fine, well lots of folk die and get very sick as well. Just my opinion, opinions are cheap I guess.....

Whatever you choose....be safe.