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Kohler 15.5 EOZD

Posted: April 10th, 2021, 7:19 am
by vtcats
Two questions. Does any one know if there are anode (s) on this model and if not, why not?
I have the parts breakdown manual and couldn’t find it, but it’s over 120 pages long given it includes similar models. It’s possible I missed it.
Mine is within a sound shield and very difficult to see from all angles. Ironically I recently had the shield off but was focused on cleaning up changing my coolant change and wasn’t looking for an anode.
Anyway, I was just curious about that given I change my main Volvo engine anodes every winter. And in addition I have heard of other generators that do have zinc anodes.

Re: Kohler 15.5 EOZD

Posted: May 26th, 2021, 6:13 am
by vtcats
While I may be just talking to myself here given no prev reply, I did get my hands on a service manual and this particular model does not have any anodes.
Also, To add to an ongoing mystery possibly solved:
For the last few years I would occasionally get “pulsing” in voltage only; engine was running smooth(like maybe the unit was cold, but was not).
Normally it would eventually smooth out. It seemed to happen more often last year. The issue with voltage going up and down by at least 20 volts.
This spring I tried and could not replicate the issue until 2 weeks ago (maybe). I noticed that when the load pulses when using the coffeemaker (the heating element that comes on and off) the voltage does the same (kind of like when a compressor to an AC kicks on you get that spike, but in this case it’s a constant thing till the coffee maker finishes.
So I replaced my controller/voltage regulator and SCR module (had to reprogram the controller per the manual and matching the prev one). Annnnnnndddd, it still did the same thing. Keep in mind I did have Koehler tech see what was happening and agreed it’s most likely the regulator and what was happening was not normal to the level he saw.
But....I had prev spoken to another Koehler tech (and I had forgotten their advice over the winter), which was to change the stability/gain. He said all their units get shipped out for residential/mobile and marine use with the same gain at level 4. But marine units work better with a higher stability/gain. He said to change the stability/gain increase to 5.9. I did and SOLVED. Voltage variation is rock steady.
So now I’m thinking I wasted my money on the controller, but in the back of my head, I’m pretty sure there were instances of the voltage jumping around even when I was not getting those Load variations, so maybe this is also solved. We will see.....I’m keeping my old one for now.
One last note, changing the controller wiped my hours. I keep track of all that so I know what it was, but I can’t imagine that’s a good thing when/if I ever sell...

Re: Kohler 15.5 EOZD

Posted: May 26th, 2021, 6:56 am
by Viper
Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Sounds like you worked hard to solve this problem. I don't recall ever having to deal with a similar issue so this is good to know. Let us know if the solution worked for the season.

Re: Kohler 15.5 EOZD

Posted: May 26th, 2021, 7:23 am
by vtcats
I will, thanks. The hardest part was taking apart and even more so, putting back together the metal pieces to get to the SCR module (which I was told HAD to be replaced) if changing the controller due to possible voltage regulation issues.

Re: Kohler 15.5 EOZD

Posted: May 26th, 2021, 10:34 am
by km1125
Thanks for posting the follow up!! I'm surprised on one weighed in on your original post, but perhaps no one else every got to that point with their EOZDs. I am surprised to hear there is not an anode. Probably not a big deal in freshwater, but I wonder how they hold up in a saltier environment. Maybe it's not necessary because of the heat exchanger?

Interesting info on the whole regulator/voltage issue. I'm sure down the road that will help another member!!