Rebuilding a Kohler 7.5R23 genset

[Dfisher32]

I'm trying to find parts and decide how much I should put into rebuilding a Kohler 7.5R23 genset. This genset was out of the boat when I bought it, hadn't been running for quite some time, and was siezed up. I don't plan on putting it back in the boat because it is way more than I need. I've been stripping it down to look at the internal condition and considering what I need to rebuild it. I think it still has life in it. Finding parts for this model has been a challenge--wondering how far I should go to rebuild it to sell. I'm a USCG licensed Chief Engineer, so I'm not bothered by doing a full rebuild. Thoughts?

[Fastjeff]

You might consider a low cost "Honda" (or whatever) generator stored on the cockpit deck but run on the swim platform. Granted, not the solution you're looking for,but affordable.

Jeff

[Dfisher32]

I’ve considered that option but going to try an inverter. I would like to sell the Kohler and get a little for it. I managed to get the engine moving without causing any damage. I’d like to do a basic rebuild to sell if worth the trouble. I see these units are still valuable if in decent running condition.

[Fastjeff]

If you want to go the battery/ inverter route, I'd strongly suggest you do NOT go with lead acid batteries. The lithium-ion type--although expensive--have many times the storage capacity.

For example... With 4 deep discharge batteries on my old boat, I could watch TV all evening, power some lights, and keep the fridge going. But I often had to cut in another battery (the starboard starting battery) to brew my coffee! The lead acid batteries just don't have the capacity.

Good luck!

Jeff

[bcassedy]

I agree with Jeff. LiFePo4 batteries are the way to go. You can get a 100Ah pre-made battery for under 500.00.
I opted to build my own. It's supposed to be portable but it's still hefty. Wanted something I could move between our 41'er and our fully tricked out popup camper. Mindset (a yittle warped?? ) was that if we weren't / aren't camping, the boat'll be on (dependable!?) Shore Power. And if on the boat, no need for power on a parked and stowed camper.
Of course, with the moniker (to my kids) "Overkill Bill" the battery has tons of bells and whistles packed into it:
- 280Ah LiFePo4 cells
- 200A Daly BMS
- charging capabilities from:
* shore / genny power
* alternator (via house battery)
* solar power (60a dc to DC charging unit)
- 200A ANL fuse

- all stored in Menards tool box case.

Bill

[jralbert]

I opted to build my own. It's supposed to be portable but it's still hefty. ..- all stored in Menards tool box case.Bill

Pictures, please, Bill

[Dfisher32]

I have been shopping for batteries and have considered lithium-ion but would like to get as much "bang for my buck" as I can. If I were to power everything I estimated 1,000 Amp-hours. That's considering a significant pull from the water-cooled HVAC system, so I could do with less battery without that creature comfort--don't know if my fiance would agree, though!

[Fastjeff]

Got to keep the little woman happy!

Jeff

[bcassedy]

Will submit pics asap. Driving 10 hrs/day for Uber (pay increased bills/CC paymnts, but more impotantly, schtuff for boa & dock (rebuild) takes it out of ya. And building the 45' finger in 3 sections alone is also kinda daunting.

Taking tomorrow (Thursday)"off" ( no drive / no dock&boat ). Will get pics submitted then.

Bill

[jralbert]

I have been shopping for batteries and have considered lithium-ion but would like to get as much "bang for my buck" as I can.

To power accessories including AC, fridge via an inverter, I don't think yhou need to go to the expense of (otherwise fine) LI batteries. Some good deep cycle batteries will be fine - they have a good track record (just not for starting engines). They can be drawn down to almost zero without harm (starter batteries will suffer when drawn so far down). Tied together, you'll get lots of juice for overnighting and you can charge them up with either genset or engine the next day. Best of luck as you work it all out