1998 370 Sundancer Generator access and removal

[370Dancer]

7.0 BCG 1998
Anybody had their genset removed for servicing?
Did you have to remove the Stbd engine?
Did you just remove the stb outboard exhaust and manifold to get clearance to pull the gen?

 

[J Levine]

If I remember correctly Frank C got his generator out of his 330 DA a few years ago for a full rebuild without removing the STBD engine. I had the STBD exhaust off of mine last winter for some maintenance and it sure looked like there would be enough room with it gone to pull the generator. Hopefully he will chime in. As far as the spark plugs you have to get a flixible spark plug socket and extension. Getting them out with these tools is not all that bad, I did it earlier this season, probably about 40 minutes and two beers.

 

[Jack]

My generator had to be pulled last winter for repairs and I am certain they had to remove more than just the exhaust to get it out. I can call my mechanic if you would like to know exactly what they removed. Let me know.

 

[370Dancer]

Jack, yes I would like to know exactly what they had to do in order to get it out. May have been a bit of disassembly of both. I'd rather not bother the powerplant and it's alignment if possible.

Jon, HI!
Yes, I've done the plugs every season since 2003, so I'm very familiar with the old socket on a universal, and an extension gig. My new hole (see other thread) has offered new visibility into the top of the genset, so I think the next change (perhaps this weekend) will be a cakewalk. I can barely get my fat head into the aft locker while working from below the cockpit deck with the socket. Gotta hold my ears flat to get out though. Can't wait until I pull the old baby's head through the fence bit, and have to call the fire department....

 

[J Levine]

The pictures are interesting. I actually changed out the exhaust riser on my generator last year and I agree access to anything on the starboard side is a night mare.

 

[Jack]

I will call my guy on Monday and post back as soon as I can.

 

[Jack]

I spoke with my mechanic and he said he removed the exhaust as well as the head on the starboard side. Not an easy job to get the generator out but well worth having the genny when you need it. Let me know if i can help in any other way.

 

[douglee25]

I spoke with my mechanic and he said he removed the exhaust as well as the head on the starboard side. Not an easy job to get the generator out but well worth having the genny when you need it. Let me know if i can help in any other way.

Jeez. That sounds like a job and a half. I wonder if you can disassemble the genset instead of the engine?

Doug

 

[fc3]

If I remember correctly Frank C got his generator out of his 330 DA a few years ago for a full rebuild without removing the STBD engine. I had the STBD exhaust off of mine last winter for some maintenance and it sure looked like there would be enough room with it gone to pull the generator. Hopefully he will chime in. As far as the spark plugs you have to get a flixible spark plug socket and extension. Getting them out with these tools is not all that bad, I did it earlier this season, probably about 40 minutes and two beers.

I didn't throw into this because I've never seen the engine room on a 370, so what the heck do I know? The 7.0 and 4.5 use the same engine, but the alternator is much larger on the 7.0, so it would be hard to extrapolate my results to someone else.

I do a pretty good job in looking stupid when I sort-of, kind-of know what I'm talking about. Don't need to go the extra mile to look extra stupid talking about what I don't know. Gary already has a favorite who does that. And I don't mean Burger King.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[370Dancer]

I'm going to talk to my local MM service manger tomorrow. I was thinking that if you did a fair job of removing the manifold to the exhaust on the stb side of the stbd engine, that you might have a chance. Westerbekes tend to live within their footprint, so if you disassemble the port side of the genny, you'll still not get past the pan (unless it can drop off). I can see having to tear down to the head to get the clearance. (yuk)

I'm most interested in 370 owners/mechanics that have actually done it.

 

[fc3]

You don't want to tear down the engine in the engine room. The engine is overhead cam, so the front of the engine has to come off first, then the manifolds, which means you have to spin the genset around since the exhaust is on the back. You could do it, but it's a lot of work unless your a very small person.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[Sea Ray Mark]

I always found the best source for info like this is to call the guys at the Merrit Island plant in Florida. Some of those guys are able to tell you exactly what to do when it comes to taking things apart. I don't have the # handy but I think I originally got it from the Sea Ray web site. Good Luck, Mark

 

[370Dancer]

As soon as Fay leaves us for good, I'll get back on this. I was thinking about taking a trip over to Flounder Pounder anyway.