New Replacement Generator

J

Joeshoes

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1967
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I have a 15 year old Kohler gas generator on my Pursuit.

It always seems to have a problem and not function.

I gather that they are finicky.

I want to replace it with a Marine gas generator that is very reliable.

Any suggestions?
 
Westerbeke....doesn't get much better.
 
Although I felt Westerbeke was a quieter and better Genset in 2004, Kohler won. This is dated information so best you get the recent scoop, since things do change. Kohler was a tad less money than Westerbeke, warranty was better than Westerbeke, and more important, Kohler was quick to pay out and fix warranty issues as opposed to Westerbeke. Marine Specialists were dealers of both and it his he that convinced me to go Kohler. In 14 years and three boats that had Kohler, all has been fine with this manufacture.
I forget the reason why, but was absolutely convinced in 2004, that Westerbeke was a better generator.
 
quote:
Originally posted by easttnboater

OK, I have to do it.

How about a Honda portable on the swim platform?

Click to expand...


Nope, has to be on the bow next to the anchor windlass.

Bob
 
If it's on the bow, is it OK to run Home Depot 30 ft extension cord with a 30 amp adapter to the shore power hook up?
 
Come on guys, he asked a legitimate question and you're giving him jokes. After the first two responses. Give it a breah.
 
I have a W'beke 5.0 loCO onthe skids waiting to be installed. Facts...... the 5.0 runs at 1800 RPM. My 4.5 ran at 3600 RPM. I told my mech to enquire about a sound shield. Egines 1 in the Chesapeake area said not necessary/ I'll let you know.
 
Spoil sport.

I have a 1993 model 15 kva Westerbeke in my houseboat with close to 2,000 hours. It has never failed to start and run. All generators were built to run. That is the secret, they are much happier being used than sitting.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Joeshoes

Thanks, David.

Keep me posted on progress. It is gas,Right?

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Will do. Yes, It is gas.

I will tell you that it was $9+ Large, so I completely undersand anyone with the desire to go with a Honda. Considering there are only 2 players in the game, price rigging is a cakewalk.

There is a place in Arizona that fixes gennies. Like you, I could have had a 15 yo gennie fixed for $4K or bite the bullet. The bullet did not taste good!!!
 
quote:
Originally posted by easttnboater

OK, I have to do it.

How about a Honda portable on the swim platform?

Click to expand...

If you are safe the honda is doable.
Safe points:
Carbon monoxide,no cabin doors open or windows in cabin while running it, be careful sitting in the cockpit while running it, if the wind is downstream to the swim platform , that is good.
Obviously gas and sparks are a concern
Also, if you anchored and you have this generator on your swim platform, understand that water and electricity = electrocution. :)

Short and skinny is there are a lot of dangers doing it that way. If you know this and play it safe, sure no problem.
 
make sure you pick an 1800 rpm unit and not a 3600 buzzer.

I would also put westerbeke at the top of the list
 
quote:
Originally posted by PascalG

make sure you pick an 1800 rpm unit and not a 3600 buzzer.

I would also put westerbeke at the top of the list

Click to expand...


Thanks Pascal!
 
Kohler?... don't those guys specialize in making sinks?
As an engineer and my experience with Kohler gas units I can say they should just stay with making sinks.
 
quote:
Originally posted by sabrejocky

Kohler?... don't those guys specialize in making sinks?
As an engineer and my experience with Kohler gas units I can say they should just stay with making sinks.

Click to expand...


BillyIII would agree. I'm sure he'll chime in.
 
I don't have the Kohler model number mounted in my boat at hand, other than its a 7.5KW, has 4 cylinders and runs at 1800RPM. I have had troubles but they were not overwhelming. The most important thing that prevents it from starting is battery voltage.

The 12V MUST be 12V measured at the generator while it is cranking or the sensing circuit will lock out the magneto. The starter will spin the engine as if there were no faults fooling you to overlook the battery voltage. Once I found this problem by tracing out the control circuit, I am able to get the thing running immediately if I have a low battery by temporarily removing a sense wire........which must be replaced when the unit is running or you cannot shut it off. The message here is be sure the generator's battery is charged.

I also had trouble with the carburetor's choke. The pivot points on the chock baffle seized. Had to remove the choke and lubricate the ends of the baffle to get it to function properly.

The last problem I have had with mine was the fuel pump. The unit ran sometimes and sometimes not. This one was a dog to find. Changed filters to no avail. Finally pulled the pump off and took it apart. Inside, one of the valves (there are two) was not properly seated when the pump was manufactured and was bouncing around inside the pump. I lined the valve up with its mounting hole in the casting, placed a socket on it, gently tapped it back in place where it should have been. Oh--- there were no marks in the mounting hole to indicate it had ever been mounted correctly in the first place.

I have read a lot of negative comments about Kohler and yes, there are many different models but I find mine to always be there when I need it! It is reliable!
 
If it has less than 3000 hours on it have it serviced by a GOOD mechanic and run the hell out of it. I am interested in it if you really bite the bullit, if your are close to central Florida.

Heres the skinny's. There are thousands of both brands out there. Each has its promotors and detractors. Both brands are quality built machines. In most cases, with proper maintenance and a reasonable amount of minimum usage you can expect 5000 hours out of either.

I predict that, if you spend the big bucks that in 3 years you will have the same complaints ou have now with whatever brand you buy.

In over 50 years I have owned Onans, Kohlers, and Westerbekes. I have never owned a new one. I always maintained them and never had failure.

New genny's are expensive, think hard before you make the leap.
 
quote:
Originally posted by OLD HOUSEBOATER

If it has less than 3000 hours on it have it serviced by a GOOD mechanic and run the hell out of it. I am interested in it if you rellbite the bullit if your e close to central Florida.

Heres the skinny's. There are thousands of both brands out there. Each has its promotors and detractors. Both brands are quality built machines. In most cases, with proper maintenance and a reanonable amount of minimum usage you can expect 5000 hours out of either.

I predict that, if you spend the big bucks that in 3 years you will have the same complaints ou have now with whatever brand you buy.

In over 50 years I have owned Onans, Kohlers, and Westerbekes. I have never owned a new one. I always maintained them and never had failure.

New genny's are expensive, think hard before you make the leap.

Click to expand...


Now that makes sense and seems like good advice.
 
Genny's need to run with a load on them. The worst thing you can do is let it sit, running them warms them up and dries them out.
 
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