kohler 5k Won’t start, mechanic jerking me around
#1

Long story short we bought a 2001 280DA with a genset that was not working. Part of the contract was the seller would pay for repairs when a mechanic came available. This was in July. It took over a month to get a mechanic and when he did come out he replaced the fuel filter and fuel pump with no resolution. He had to order a new carb. 3 weeks later he came out again and replaced the carb. After a couple hours he got the generator running and it would fire up right away no issues.... Until he left. I let the generator run for a bit and after about 5 minutes it would shut off. I tried a few more times with the same result. I was able to get him back out the same day and he determined it was over heating. His recommendation was to wait for it to cool down and check the coolant level since it’s pumping water with no issues. I was to re fill it and start it back up to see if that was the issue and if not give him a call and he would come out with a thermostat. So I let it cool and it was actually really low. I added almost 500 ml of antifreeze. But when I went to start it it just cranks. Won’t fire anymore. Prior to him leaving it would at least fire up and run. I have not been billed yet but can’t get him to return my calls. I’m getting frustrated because the weather is getting cooler and it’s been almost 3 months without a genset. I’m afraid to keep cranking on it so I don’t flood the muffler but I’m tired of waiting. I am mechanically inclined but know nothing about a boat generator. I’m not sure where to look other than the basics which have already been checked.
#2
Admirals Club 


Long story short we bought a 2001 280DA with a genset that was not working. Part of the contract was the seller would pay for repairs when a mechanic came available. This was in July. It took over a month to get a mechanic and when he did come out he replaced the fuel filter and fuel pump with no resolution. He had to order a new carb. 3 weeks later he came out again and replaced the carb. After a couple hours he got the generator running and it would fire up right away no issues.... Until he left. I let the generator run for a bit and after about 5 minutes it would shut off. I tried a few more times with the same result. I was able to get him back out the same day and he determined it was over heating. His recommendation was to wait for it to cool down and check the coolant level since it’s pumping water with no issues. I was to re fill it and start it back up to see if that was the issue and if not give him a call and he would come out with a thermostat. So I let it cool and it was actually really low. I added almost 500 ml of antifreeze. But when I went to start it it just cranks. Won’t fire anymore. Prior to him leaving it would at least fire up and run. I have not been billed yet but can’t get him to return my calls. I’m getting frustrated because the weather is getting cooler and it’s been almost 3 months without a genset. I’m afraid to keep cranking on it so I don’t flood the muffler but I’m tired of waiting. I am mechanically inclined but know nothing about a boat generator. I’m not sure where to look other than the basics which have already been checked.
Was this mechanic Kohler certified/authorized?
Have you checked battery / connections?
Next time, I wouldnt buy a boat with a broken generator if you are expecting a working one, escrow the replacement cost of a new one if you really want to close.
#3

Long story short we bought a 2001 280DA with a genset that was not working. Part of the contract was the seller would pay for repairs when a mechanic came available. This was in July. It took over a month to get a mechanic and when he did come out he replaced the fuel filter and fuel pump with no resolution. He had to order a new carb. 3 weeks later he came out again and replaced the carb. After a couple hours he got the generator running and it would fire up right away no issues.... Until he left. I let the generator run for a bit and after about 5 minutes it would shut off. I tried a few more times with the same result. I was able to get him back out the same day and he determined it was over heating. His recommendation was to wait for it to cool down and check the coolant level since it’s pumping water with no issues. I was to re fill it and start it back up to see if that was the issue and if not give him a call and he would come out with a thermostat. So I let it cool and it was actually really low. I added almost 500 ml of antifreeze. But when I went to start it it just cranks. Won’t fire anymore. Prior to him leaving it would at least fire up and run. I have not been billed yet but can’t get him to return my calls. I’m getting frustrated because the weather is getting cooler and it’s been almost 3 months without a genset. I’m afraid to keep cranking on it so I don’t flood the muffler but I’m tired of waiting. I am mechanically inclined but know nothing about a boat generator. I’m not sure where to look other than the basics which have already been checked.
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