Generator rebuild

[mjk1040]

I'm thinking a kohler tech. mechanic call is in order and have them diagnose and estimate repairing it in house.

[Midnightsun]

Sounds like you confirmed it is a carb issue.

Kohlers have issues with the carb every so often and once gummed up well good luck. Tried tearing it apart and running it in an ultrasonic cleaner for hours and still no dice, ordered a new carb and she ran like top. I suggest you do the same.

DO NOT use a portable in the bilge, very dangerous and this topic has come up many many times on various forums, never has anyone figured out a safe way of doing this otherwise we all would. A portable on the swim platform is fine and many do so. Regardless of whatever you choose, make sure you have at least 1 even better 2 CO detectors on board.

[tomschauer]

Look for the model and serial number of the engine itself. Its either a Kawasaki or a Honda. You should be able to find a new carb for about $25 with gasket.

[Viper]

Source of the post..... It has now developed a starter issue.....

That's an interesting development. Could very well be the carb as they are known to be problematic if not used often or put to bed properly for long term storage. The starter problem can be as simple as the starter failing or it could be a sign that something else is going on. When you say it has developed a starter issue, what exactly is happening now? Does it turn over at all? If not, I'd caution to not go any further until you confirm that's it's indeed starter related and not hydro-locked cylinders full of water from a leaking exhaust manifold or from cranking her over continuously in an effort to get her running, she may have ingested water. A leaking manifold would also cause runability issues. If she is or was a salt water application, a manifold replacement might be long overdue and should be considered for replacement in any case.

The model number would really help here.

[Keith S]

For any help to be useful you need to post the model. Hopefully you have a 6.5CZ which is the 2 cyl Honda engine model and you have a chance at parts. The carb for that would be $350+ so if that is your problem it would be best to take it off and clean it. If you have the earlier 6.5R using the 4 cyl Kohler engine you are pretty much out of luck for most parts. Do not using starting fluid unless it is a last resort because you can crack pistons and rings. Extended cranking with the seacock open will back up exhaust water into the engine, hopefully you did not hydrolock the engine. Too bad I didn't see where you were located earlier. I just got back yesterday from visiting my son in Texas and I took my granddaughter for a dolphin cruise right past Galveston Yacht Basin. You could of had a certified Kohler mechanic look at it for free or at least for a free beer!