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KOHLER 20KW GENERATOR SERVICE
My coach is equipped with a Kohler 20KW genset powered by a Yanmar motor. It has about 2500 hours on it. I change the oil, filters, etc. on a regular basis. It runs well with no issues. I run the generator with a load (A/C’s) fairly often while traveling.
I want to flush/refill the cooling system and replace the belt. Someone is telling me that the “generator bearing” should be replaced every 1000 hours and the water pump replaced every 3000 hours. I have reviewed my service manuals for Kohler and Yanmar, and neither mention these services.
I have read discussions on the internet regarding the importance of replacing the generator bearing on certain models of Powertech generators and the substantial damage that could result from the failure of that bearing. However, I could not find any references to Kohler generators.
Is anyone aware of this alleged recommended service?
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4 Replies
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This is just an educated guess and an opinion. Our type generators are widely used on entertainer coaches and if they required such heavy duty service or repairs that often it is a safe bet to say they would not use that brand.
I am sure some intermediate service is required of the generator, but they are lasting between 30,000 and 40,000 hours with regular oilk and filter changes.
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The only generator I know of that requires that level of service is a Onan.
I had a 10K Onan many moons ago in a Class A that I got totally taken on. After a 2500 hour service and a couple grand it was never right again. Loped constantly and would shut down in heat.
You don’t have to do anything but service at 150 hours , carry a spare electric fuel pump from Napa 1200 and a spare belt. I think the campfire BS gets pretty rich when you tell someone our generators last as long as they do.
Folks this is a Kohler 20k with a Yanmar engine. I have a 20k Powertec now that Marathon went to for tier 4 emissions, we’ll see.
This is one of the reasons I dog Liberty for going to a 12.5K Onan in new coaches. People just don’t know.
Later
bv
2005 XL Thompson Coach
Rarely tow anything behind us.
Sold: 1993 Liberty that we loved for 12 years. -
Colt! Great to hear from you.
We have a Kohler generator in our Liberty Coach … another fantastic product of Wisconsin.
A number of years ago I ran into Mr. Martin (Jim?) of Martin Generators at PRI in Indianapolis. I mentioned we had a Liberty with a Kohler and he said that Martin provided generators to Liberty at one time, then Liberty switched to another vendor. IIRC Martin and Kohler have the same basic diesel engines. He did mention something about a something in a Kohler that should be worried about. I can’t remember what it was. Maybe a generator bearing or maybe the phramis bearing or the flux capacitor bearing. There has to be someone out there who has lots of experience with Kohler generators who can be more definitive than my vague recollections.
If Brian Bays is on the Forum, he has driven for Hemphill Bros for a number of years and might have a contact in the maintenance shop at Hemphill who might be able to shed some light on this subject.
I think now all the Kohler generator owners are watching this thread very closely. Our Kohler has 4058 hours. As far as I know original bearing and original water pump … unless Jeff Rowe snuck new stuff in and didn’t charge me.
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In 2018, our Martin Diesel generator (with Yanmar engine at 5000 hours) began throwing oil out of the main seal at the power head. The folks at Martin were contacted, quickly diagnosed the failed seal and explained that the seal and main bearing frequently age out at about 5000 hours+/-. They were able to rearrange things to schedule us asap and we made the trip to Defiance, OH. They pulled the gen set, cleaned it, installed new main bearings and seals, replaced fuel lines, filter assembly, and some other parts. While the gen was out they extensively flushed the radiator, installed new coolant lines/hoses, all new compartment sound deadening foam, etc. They load tested the generator on the bench and again after install. The bill was $2700, which we thought was very reasonable. Our tech showed me the failed seal and worn bearing. He said they do the seal and bearing R and R often at the 5000 hr mark and won’t see us again for another 5000 hours. I highly recommend them.
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