www.iFourWinns.com

Sooooo once again, my Kohler Generator wont start How am I supposed to winterize it, if it wont start?! I was hoping it would pull -100F marine antifreeze through sea strainer hose (how I always do it) just by cranking the motor, but it will not. Suggestions?

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1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21

I have a westerbeke but it didn't run when we bought the boat. I had mechanics look at it to evaluate if it was repairable to give me an estimate. They tried starting it so they pulled water into it. They were no help in figuring out how to winterize it so I went to Google for help.

I ended up hooking up the winterize kit just like you stated and kept cranking until AF came out. I then opened the plug at the bottom of the exhaust "muffler" and AF came out so I was pretty confident it was fully winterized. I think the trick is to keep the winterize tank above the level of the genny and also fill the strainer with AF and try to get all the air out of the line to give it the easiest flow possible.

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--2002 3880 Regal Flybridge | Twin Merc 8.1HO **Seven**
--2003 AB 13 VST Console Inflatable | Tohatsu 40hp TLDI **Phish'n ski**
--310 Mercury Inflatable | 1982 9.9 Johnson

Thanks for the reply!

After some minor diagnostic, and google, I discovered that the older Kohler generators are SUPER picky with spark plugs. Even the slightest carbon build up and the engine wont fire. I did not believe this to be the case - heck, my spark plugs were replaced two years ago and I have around 10 hours on them. TEN hours. Replaced them anyways, generator fired RIGHT up Of course....

All winterized and life is good! I bought 4 spark plugs, now I have 2 spares on board for the next time it decides to be a PITA.

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1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21

Glad to hear that.
That's actually not the first time I have heard this fact. A boat neighbor had a similar issue it barely ran and dumped gas out the exhaust. Changed plugs and all was well. It's strange that it has so much effect on the engine.

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--2002 3880 Regal Flybridge | Twin Merc 8.1HO **Seven**
--2003 AB 13 VST Console Inflatable | Tohatsu 40hp TLDI **Phish'n ski**
--310 Mercury Inflatable | 1982 9.9 Johnson

A trick with generators - they like to be ran and ran often. I run mine every trip out and have zero issues with it. I've done this with my last two boats and it's prevented any significant generator issue...be sure to run them under load though!

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Similar issue with generators in RV's. Recommendation for an RV generator is to run it at least once a month under load for about 15-20 minutes.

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1999 180 Horizon OB Fisherman Pkg
2013 Grand Cherokee 4x4 w/ 5.7 Hemi
San Antonio, TX