Wanted to post my information on how I solved a sqealing belt from a 8E Kohler generator.

We bought the 370 6 Months ago and when we ran the generator it sometimes would sqeal from a slipping belt and finally the belt broke a couple of weeks ago.

Reviewing several different posts on the internet it seems this Generator Kohler 8E has a service bulletin SB-609 which I never could find to read but there are several interpertations of it. It seems that the engine back spins when you shut in down causing the impeller fins to turn backward. This caused the belt to slip as it takes a lot of force to get the impeller to turn the correct way on start up eventually it will start turning. I wanted to fix the problem so this is what I did.

1. Ordered a new raw water Pump assembly I used a G910P which is the same as the 907 but has the pulley permanetly attached.
2. Ordered a new belt I got a Gates 7330 which had the same specs as original.

Installed the new pump and the belt and upon inital start up I still got the squal from a slipping belt. It seems you need to have a deflection of only 1/2 inch or lestt when you push on the middle of the longest portion of the belt. My deflection was more than an inch. So I used a wood board to push on the pulley and had my wife tighten the adjustment bolt and we got it to less than 1/2 deflection. This took care of the squeal and started and restarted 10 times to ensure it was working and it was.

So, I believe the pump must have a different impeller in it that turns easier have read a sherwood 9000 impeller is what to use. But the most important piece is to get the belt tight enough at 1/2 inch or less deflection at the longest stretch of the belt.

Kohler is not a friendly Company as I tried 3 times to get service bulletin 609 but they never sent it and when I called they said call your local distributor and they gave me the run around. Kohler I suggest you post all of your service bulletins on your site as a service bulletin is an impportant thing.

Mase