Kohler 7.3E Genset Searching/Hunting With No Load

[tim f]

I have a 2006 Kohler 7.3E Genset that has 394 hours on it. At the end of last season I noticed it was searching/hunting with no load, but as soon as you put a load on the generator it smooths right out. I replaced the sparks plugs as people have said in the past, but unfortunately that did not fix the problem, and I run this generator a lot when we use the boat. I change the oil and filter every fall, and the generator is enclosed in a sound shield and looks brand new. Does anyone have any ideas on what is going on? does this sound like a carburetor issue? I usually fix everything myself when pointed in the right direction. I did call the mechanic that certified the generator when I installed it back in 2006, and they are looking for about $700.00 just to come out and look at it, then about $120.00/hr. I am in the wrong business! Thanks in advance.
Tim

 

[PascalG]

A fueling issue, including carb would result in a failure to carry a load. If it runs fine under load then it seems to be a Governor problem. No idea how r it works on a small gas gen though

 

[tim f]

It does work fine under load. Maybe a low speed jet clogged. I guess it time to do some research on the carburetor.

 

[PascalG]

A bloodied jet woul cause it to stall not hunt. Hunting is usually Governor related

 

[tim f]

Problem solved (I hope!). I grabbed a gallon container of gas with a lot of Seafoam hoping it would fix my "hunting" problem. I ran a new fuel line to the gas container and ran the generator for about 45 minutes, loaded and unloaded. Nothing changed, but as I am watched the governor rotate while hunting, I noticed an adjustment screw. I didn't have anything to loose except about a grand hiring a generator technician to come out to the boat. I slowly turned the screw clockwise and after about 1/8 of a turn, the generator started to smooth out. I had to play with the screw with the generator both loaded and unloaded. Overall I ended up tweaking the screw about 1/4 turn clockwise to fix the "hunting" problem. I turned the generator off and on a few times and ran it loaded and unloaded. No more hunting! Hopefully this will help the next person with a similar issue. I don't have any idea why I needed to adjust the screw, but it is there for adjustments, and it worked for me. Thanks for all the help!
Tim

 

[justing987]

Problem solved (I hope!). I grabbed a gallon container of gas with a lot of Seafoam hoping it would fix my "hunting" problem. I ran a new fuel line to the gas container and ran the generator for about 45 minutes, loaded and unloaded. Nothing changed, but as I am watched the governor rotate while hunting, I noticed an adjustment screw. I didn't have anything to loose except about a grand hiring a generator technician to come out to the boat. I slowly turned the screw clockwise and after about 1/8 of a turn, the generator started to smooth out. I had to play with the screw with the generator both loaded and unloaded. Overall I ended up tweaking the screw about 1/4 turn clockwise to fix the "hunting" problem. I turned the generator off and on a few times and ran it loaded and unloaded. No more hunting! Hopefully this will help the next person with a similar issue. I don't have any idea why I needed to adjust the screw, but it is there for adjustments, and it worked for me. Thanks for all the help!
Tim

experiencing the same problem, 2006, 7.3e, hunting with no load. New filters, and plugs. Was your adjustment a permanent fix? If you happen to have a pic of the adjustment screw please share.

 

[boatbum]

From the manual:
4.5.4

Hunting​

A low fuel level because of an improperly adjusted float,
a clogged main jet, restricted main jet passages, or an
improperly sized main jet for the application can cause
hunting.
Clean, adjust, or replace inoperative
components.
An incorrect throttle linkage adjustment, a binding
throttle linkage, a sticking throttle shaft, or a loose
throttle shaft in the throttle body or bore can cause
inconsistent idle speed.

Kohler 7.3E Manuals | ManualsLib

www.manualslib.com

 

[Sadam]

experiencing the same problem, 2006, 7.3e, hunting with no load. New filters, and plugs. Was your adjustment a permanent fix? If you happen to have a pic of the adjustment screw please share.

I had exactly the same problem. Small turn of the black adjustment screw on the governor fixed my hunting issue also. ( for now, only ran it for a half hour.)

 

[SteveG]

It's a balance between the governor speed and sensitivity settings to get it right. You want it to respond quickly but not have it so sensitive that it hunts, and that you get the speed right through the range of being fully unloaded and load. I have an older 7.5R, and it took me about 2-3 years to work out all the kinks. Yours is newer though, so hopefully was easier that mine.