Alex F
Well-Known Member
- Nov 14, 2006
- 9,167
- Boat Info
- 2005 420DB with AB 11 DLX Tender, Raymarine Electronics (2x12" MFDs) with Vesper AIS
- Engines
- Cummins 450Cs, 9KW Onan Generator, 40HP Yamaha for tender.
While running for hours all of a sudden my "lights go out" with a sound of BRRrrrr....
My genny doesn't have digital display, so I don't see any codes to give me clues. But, over the years I've learn two major components that are usually the primary candidates for the unexpected shutdown: fuel and/or cooling.
I had no reasons to suspect fuel side being the cause, so I decided to review cooling side first. I was in the area with minimal obstruction like seaweeds, eel grass, jellies, etc. In addition, my scoop-strainers have screens to prevent clogging. However, we never know what can happen. There can always be a plastic bag or something else on the outside of the screen.
So, I check the sea-strainer and see that I have good raw water coming in. I disconnect the hose from the strainer to the water pump and the water is barely coming thru. I blow the hose and it's clean. So, I guess the gravity (the hose is going upwards to reach the pump) prevents good flow and requires pump to circulate generating the flow. My conclusion is that my cooling is fine and now I need to shift my focus to the fuel side.
I look at the racor and the bowl looks crystal clear like I just did the maintenance, but I did it all earlier in late spring.
Before I post my steps to solve the puzzle (it's a weird one too), lets hear your ideas on what would you do next?
My genny doesn't have digital display, so I don't see any codes to give me clues. But, over the years I've learn two major components that are usually the primary candidates for the unexpected shutdown: fuel and/or cooling.
I had no reasons to suspect fuel side being the cause, so I decided to review cooling side first. I was in the area with minimal obstruction like seaweeds, eel grass, jellies, etc. In addition, my scoop-strainers have screens to prevent clogging. However, we never know what can happen. There can always be a plastic bag or something else on the outside of the screen.
So, I check the sea-strainer and see that I have good raw water coming in. I disconnect the hose from the strainer to the water pump and the water is barely coming thru. I blow the hose and it's clean. So, I guess the gravity (the hose is going upwards to reach the pump) prevents good flow and requires pump to circulate generating the flow. My conclusion is that my cooling is fine and now I need to shift my focus to the fuel side.
I look at the racor and the bowl looks crystal clear like I just did the maintenance, but I did it all earlier in late spring.
Before I post my steps to solve the puzzle (it's a weird one too), lets hear your ideas on what would you do next?