1999 4.5KW Westerbeke - How many GPH???

[HighFlight2k2]

I've combed the net and haven't found any information on how much fuel my generator uses. I know it depends on use. So I'll say that when we run it, we usually are running it either for breakfast for to cool down. I do typically turn the fridge on in either case. I rarely use the water heater because the "cold" water is usually warm enough for a quick shower. It is a higher RPM generator. I seem to remember reading 3200 RPMs.

So what range of fuel usage do you think I'm getting??? It's become a hot topic between my wife and I...for obvious reasons.

Thanks very much.

Jon

 

[RollerCoastr]

Apx .976 GPH at Full Load, if it's the 3600 RPM model. .8 if it's 1800

 

[Converse48]

The generator is practically free compared to the mains. And 0.8 GPH seems high for a 4.5KW. When I had a 7.3KW gas generator it was hard to figure out the actual GPH (it drew from the port fuel tank but there was rarely a noticable difference between the port and starboard tanks on fill-up).

Worrying about running the generator on a powerboat is a "deckchair-on-the-Titanic" issue.

 

[RollerCoastr]

You're not describing a full load though, so your mileage will vary.

Westerbeke publishes those figures, so if you have the model number, you can check the specs on their website without much combing.

Full load is difficult to maintain, so you can back off from their numbers a bit, but it's better to burn a little more fuel by running it with a good load than to be too easy on it. It'll run rich and punish you later for babying it.

 

[RollerCoastr]

I was surprised by that too. It IS hard to calculate, but I use .8 GPH for a 7KW 1800 unit, and I practice what I preach about trying to keep it under load. (Westerbeke says the 7 burns 1.2 at full load)

 

[HighFlight2k2]

It is the 3600 RPM model because it is most definitely not 1800 RPM.

Speaking of that...has anyone built/bought a sound box for their 310DA's generator?

Jon

 

[HighFlight2k2]

Wow...I never though it would be better to load it up. When I have run multiple high draw items (A/C, water heater, fridge, charger) for example, it seems like it is working quite a big harder. By punishing me, do you just mean more fuel burn or more maintenance because of a rich condition?

Jon

 

[RollerCoastr]

By punish, I meant more maintenance. As was mentioned before, the fuel burn is comparitively trivial.

Fouled plugs are the most obvious symptom, but generators are designed to run with a load. OVERload of course is another issue - that's never ok. Give it a reasonable amount of work to do as often as possible. Give it a chance to warm up before a heavy load and cool a while before shutting down and it'll treat you well.

 

[HighFlight2k2]

Cool. Thanks for your advice!

Jon

 

[sbw1]

The ideal load is 75% of rated output. As mentioned above, this is tough to maintain as you will discover.

 

[Dockbanger]

When I got my boat (1999 DA330) in 2003, the dealer said that I can count on a gallon per hour and to run it all the time, even underway.

I had problems with the hydrilla in the Potomac clogging the inlet and the strainer. I fried an impeller or two for that reason. I had the inlet hose crack and leak. And this spring I had the fuel pump go out ($765 – ouch!). It’s making a rattling noise so that will be added to my weekend project.