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Re: 89 Kohler genset won’t start
Posted: March 7th, 2020, 1:24 pm
by Midnightsun
I had some issues with a previous gas Kohler. They do not like to sit for long periods of time as in a year or so as the carb will gum up. I had the carb off, taken apart, ultrasonic bath for an hour and still no go. Had to get a new carb which fired up as soon as i cranked her over and ran perfectly for several years until I sold the boat. My point is even if you do find the issue the carb may now be gummed up and still will not start.
Re: 89 Kohler genset won’t start
Posted: March 14th, 2020, 8:47 pm
by denpooch
I have a Kohler 7.3 and had to install a new carburetor due to reliability issues. I also had the heat exchanger 'boiled out' and now she runs perfectly. Remember generators like to exercise so I run mine. Ok... I am burning an extra 3 gph or so, but that's still less expensive than a service call.
Also, when I put her into hibernation for the winter, I drain any remaining fuel out of the carburetor. There is a set screw at the bottom of the carb which accomplishes this task. Keep the fuel moving through the carb, drain it out at the end of the season and you are giving yourself a better than even chance of mitigating 'gumming up' the carb.