generator question #2

top dog · Post by **top dog** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 4:50 pm

hey guys quick question i installed a brand new kohler 5k genset in my 89 fbc, and replaced my 6k onan, anyway my genset runs fine at dock and anchor but when i run 8 miles about .5 hrs to my swimmin hole (elliot key) here in miami my genset shuts off just before arriving there. The code given says co1 which means it shuts off due to co issues. my genset is that new 99% emmisions free job and my generator guy cant figure out what it is going on for it to shut off. Could it be that my engine exhuast is causing this,Could the blower for the genny be bringing in engine fumes, ? I dont seem to have any leaks in my engines exhaust system . Well Doug your THE man give it a shot. Thanx Again..pete

Post by **dougl33** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 5:24 pm

Sorry Pete. Waay over my head here. I know where stuff is on the boat, but I have no idea how sh!t works.

top dog · Post by **top dog** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 5:35 pm

no problem doug maybe someone else may know i think i will sea trial it in the morning and run the genset with the cockpit deck cover off , that may help determine if its getting too much co in there cause with the lid off maybe there would be better circulation of air. we will see. but thanx again

retman · Post by **retman** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 7:36 am

Pete, maybe you are pulling in main engine exhaust with the blower. Bill Arnold 1988 33 FBC 'Retriever'

BECCA ROSE · Post by **BECCA ROSE** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:13 am

Could it be those pesky mail slots leaking? Bill 1989 33 FBC Cummins 6BTA's > ~------- [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... a_Rose.jpg[/img]

top dog · Post by **top dog** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 11:22 am

i will check out the mail slits on the side thanx

captgene · Post by **captgene** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 5:12 am

Pete, I have the exact config., but my Kohler is a little older and a 7.3. Pretty much the same though. I obviously don't have the CO sensitivity. The only thing I can think of is what Bill mentioned. Pulling in CO from the mail slot, or a leak between the mail slot and glass. I most always run my blower. Even when I'm running offshore. Be sure to check the connections in the exhaust. I had to step mine down to fit the new Kohler exhaust that is larger. Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC

top dog · Post by **top dog** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 4:51 pm

i ran the genset with deck cover OFF today and WHAM the genny did NOT turn off so my problem is coming from the engines. QUESION does the blower for the genset suck air from outside (near the mail slots ) or does it blow it out of the genset area. Because if it sucks the air then it is sucking engine fumes. Well let me know and maybe if it does suck air in i can reverse the hoses and get it ou.. Thanx for all the help..Pete

CB35 · Post by **CB35** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 8:14 pm

I understand this is a a gas genny; but why do you run a blower after you start the engine? When I had a gas Bertram I fired up the blower and started the engines and shut the blower off. Sometimes I just stuck my nose in the bilge, no gas smell, hit the starters. All the blowers I have ever seen exhaust the air out of the bilge. The air to replace the exhausted air has to come from somewhere. On my 35B there are slots (louvers) on both sides. The genny blower is/was connected to the port side. I have never used the blower; but then it is a diesel genny.

h2ojst · Post by **h2ojst** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 5:54 am

The only intake air should come from the 4 scoops mounted on deck. I believe the port side rear scoop, specifically, provides the fresh air to the rear geny compartment. Pull off your side panels and inspect the route of the hose coming from the scoops. Joe Tomaini 1988 Sportfish Attitude Adjustment II Fort Lauderdale, FL

top dog · Post by **top dog** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 6:26 pm

do you guys with gas engines run your boats with blowers OFF after you start the engines and get any possible fumes out ?? If so that may be my problem because i have always ran my engine blower while my engines were running ALL THE TIME.This is my first inboard and it being gas with children onboard i have been EXTRA careful all the time.But i trust the expertise and experience of the members of this site and if it may be safe to run engines with blower off i will try it this sunday..Please let me know.... Thanx Again Pete

Post by **dougl33** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 6:49 pm

When I had gas motors I would run the blower (either mains or gennie) for 5 minutes prior to starting. After that I would shut them off. Consdiering the amount of air the 454's suck in while your underway I don't see how the blowers can do much.

top dog · Post by **top dog** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 10:48 am

so what some of you are telling me is that i do NOT need to run the blower in the engine room after i ran it prior to engine ignition unless im at idle, anchoring, slow speed etc.?? if the blowers are not on how does the air coming in from the 4 scoops exit the boat?? pardon me for SOOO many questions i just dont want to blow up and kill my family or hurt someone else. I guess you guys can tell ive been an outboard guy all my life. Also would it help prevent an accident if i tried running the genset blower only and not the engine blower to see if that will keep my genny from shutting down after ive cleared engine room of fumes with its blower.. Again thanx for helping me with all these dumb questions..Pete

h2ojst · Post by **h2ojst** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 2:21 pm

Pete, I certainly wouldn't consider any of your questions regarding the safety of you or your family stupid. In my case, I totally revamped the blower and intake air system. This was required due to the fact that I moved the geny mid-ships just forward of the engine room bulkhead. This has kept the unit dry & clean. To counter the weight difference, I placed two water tanks aft where the geny was. As far as the intakes, my scoops originally faced forward and any spray or rain would eventually make their way into the blowers. I turned all four scoops around so they faced aft. I then ran a fireproof hose from one scoop forward to feed the geny and distributed fresh air to the engine room with the other three. The engine room blowers remained in the factory location and an additional blower was added for the geny. I run all three blowers continuously while running and just run the geny blower while at anchor. I'd rather have to replace a blower now and then than to worry about any fume that can find its way into a closed compartment. With the scoops facing aft, I'm actually drawing in fresh air and exhausting stale hot air port and starboard. The only remaining factor to consider is whether you have an auto fire extinguisher or not. If you do, you must automatically shut the blowers off as well, or your fire won't extinguish properly if at all. Your intake air should not be picking up main engine fumes. I'd check to make sure your blower hoses are not cracked and sucking in fumes somewhere else. Joe Tomaini 1988 Sportfish Attitude Adjustment II Fort Lauderdale, FL

top dog · Post by **top dog** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 3:57 pm

thanx Joe i will be doing that in the morn. this situation is driving me NUTS or lets ay NUTTIER . I feel safe at anchor because my genset only shuts off while engines are on not at anchor while we sleep or at the dock. Today i tested by putting one of my three (3) inside co detectors in the bildge by the genny and it went on in two minutes while the engines ran.