During the summerization process this weekend, I discovered something obviously cracked (heat exchanger) over the winter filling the cylinders of my genset full of water. I am thinking for times sake, rather than rebuild the engine I would purchase a new one. Does anyone have any experience in taking a normal Kawasaki FD501D and "marinizing" it? Looks like these parts are coming harder to find and Kohler no longer wants to support it.

Real go fast boats dont have generators.... you sure your on the right website? You should just toss that thing in the trash and go by a new one. Or you could use a Honda 2000 generator from northern tool and mount it in the engine compartment (just make sure you run your bilge blowers), or you could take it out and mount like 10 group 27 batteries on that shelf and get yourself a big ass harbo freight inverter to use when you wanna make popcorn with your microwave (go fast boats dont have microwaves by the way)...

Who said anything about go fasts?

Thats what I meant by the "right web site" maybe you should try the Hull Truth or something... it is a .38 special after all

Really??? Tell me more

Try a john Deere dealer. Same engine in the 93-2000s 425 lawn tractors I believe.

Endeavor, thanks for your reply. I think Juan had found several replacement engine sources online like you have suggested. His concern is centered around the statement by all of those sites that use of their engines in a kohler marine application was not warranted. That got him concerned on what was done to "marinizing one"...

And as you can tell I was just feeding him useless crap until someone with real info to share chimed in
...

I believe white paint Marinizes them... Lol. I get parts for my 5E at the Deere dealer. They said it's the same motor.

Good to know, that's what we were thinking. thanks again!

Thanks Whodathought for the ribbing... I'll keep in mind what a bad idea it is to have a microwave next time you wake up hung over and need breakfast. Enjoy your hot plate bro! BTW - I need to borrow your forklift to pull this thing out.

Endeavor1 - What I have been researching tells me there is not any difference in the mower or marine version, but I did see something specific to the FD501D regarding a tapered crankshaft. Guess I will call JD today and get the low down.

Thanks!