Generator taken in seawater and seized

[Firefly625]

All

I don't have a genny, but my Dad's boat does. Its a 5yr old Kubota genny and has just seized. Apparently his anti-siphon pipe has failed to protect the engine, it is his belief the air-bleed valve on top of the anti-siphon hose has got blocked with salt crystals and as a result the salt water has got into the engine through the exhaust valves... does this sound likely?

It has done 100hrs in the last 5yrs...

Currently the engineer who fitted it is booked to come and remove it on Friday and take it away for a rebuild...

any comments from you knowledgeable chaps?

 

[aquapower]

Most of these kind of geni problems were due to incorrect fitting of exhaust systems, being a kubota is it a mastervolt?

 

[Firefly625]

Most of these kind of geni problems were due to incorrect fitting of exhaust systems, being a kubota is it a mastervolt?

I believe it is, will find out.. he has now had a estimate of £1500 for repair.

 

[Firefly625]

sorry, a bit more info on generator

It is a Mastervolt Whisper 3.5

Just trying to help him out, if there is a relation between incorrect installation and therefore water getting into engine that I can help him avoid next time that would be great...

 

[volvopaul]

1500 ouch, why didnt you give me a shout?

 

[Firefly625]

1500 ouch, why didnt you give me a shout?

Paul, in fairness he told me about it after he had called the chap that installed it, who is the person who has said he will take it out on Friday and re-build and estimates its £1500.. if that is way over the odds and you are about and can do it give me a buzz..!

 

[aquapower]

sorry, a bit more info on generator

It is a Mastervolt Whisper 3.5

Just trying to help him out, if there is a relation between incorrect installation and therefore water getting into engine that I can help him avoid next time that would be great...

That's what I thought when you said Kubota, I have all the installation drawings for them at home, if you need any copies then let me know, but won't be back until this time next week.

 

[ARE]

I see this failure regularly, Most owners & some engineer's asume that a anti siphon is a non servicable item. When in fact it should be checked regulary and back flushed with fresh water.

As the injection elbow of the genset is under the load water line, on switch off of the genset the water will continue to siphon past the sea water impeller and run into the exhaust system. this will fill the aqua lift muffler with water and back up into the exhaust pipe back to the engine, via whichever exhaust valve is open.

We use Kubota engines in our genset, and as long as it has not been in there to long the engine will be salvageable. just a glaze bust and a set of piston rings.

Anthony