Replacing Quicksilver 4.0 in '89 300 DA

[trflgrl]

After a few seasons wrestling with finding parts, etc. for the original Quicksilver 4.0 on my '89 300 DA, I'm considering replacement. This will NOT be a do it yourself project, but I'd like to hear how others have done it on the same model or similar boats and what your recommendations are so when I talk to installers I can make a more educated decision. For example, a couple of mechanics have said no need to pull an engine to remove existing and install new, some DIY folks have suggested to pull an engine....if most folks HAVE pulled an engine, I'd like to be prepared logistically and financially for haul out/extra time commitment/extra cost, etc.


Did you remove an engine or anything else from the ER?

What model/size did you install or would you recommend? (Original heat/AC unit; original small fridge; original electric stove; no major upgrades in sound system; no upgrades in lighting, though I've switched to LEDs in many fixtures; no other upgrades planned; but if larger than 4.0 is a good idea, will consider)

If you installed a used or refurbished gen, what were your results?

What else should I be researching/asking while planning....and what should I be telling an installer as I get quotes? (I know to use only marine generator/components and insure installation is done to specs for ignition protection)

(I've asked the question in the Official 1980s 300 thread, as well, but thought I'd open it up to folks who frequent the Electrical forum.)

TIA!!

 

[copb8tx]

I had an 88 300 Weekender that didn't come with a generator from the factory. I installed a used 4.0 Onan myself. I have moderate DIY skills. It was a BIG job since all electrical, fuel, exhaust, cooling and mounting had to be done from scratch. Drilling holes in the bottom of your pristine boat is not for the faint of heart!

The WE has a bigger bilge than yours I believe so I'm not sure how that impacts the removal and replacement of your current gen however having the boat already set up for ANY generator is a HUGE head start and you may find doing it yourself easier than you think. Maybe use a professional to just get the old one out and the new placed in?

 

[Ididntdoit]

Prepare for sticker shock - the new ones have catalytic converters and fuel injection - I would go with a used/refurb westerbeke - When I added one to my boat, I bought a used 2006 model 3.0BPMG - It provides close to the same amperage as my 30A shorepower - It runs my 12,000 btu air just fine - you could also look for a late 90s/early 2000s 4.5Kw if you have the room - I believe that still has the manual governor (no electronics) and should be very reliable...

 

[northern]

When I had problems with my generator I went looking for a replacement.
I found this on 2 years ago it was 3,500 then. Has low hours on it. o idea of condition.
Not sure if it has same foot print as yours.
http://boatparts.us/product/quicksilver-marine-generator-qs-6-5-sale

 

[trflgrl]

Thanks for the input, Bart--I don't remember if the ER hatches on a WE are the same as a DA, but that's where the challenge lies. If I remember to take pics tonight, that will probably help those who have gone before me. The gen is oriented longways forward-aft....the hatch nearest it is oriented longways port-starboard. To lift, turn, and pull it out that hatch just sounds like an impossible squeeze to me....but I'd rather not pull an engine out if it can be helped.

Must rely on professional help because First Mate and I work a LOT of hours (he's been pulling 6 day weeks quite often since Thanksgiving), with some of mine out of town, so it would be guaranteed to turn into a multi-weekend project and burn our time on the water.

Yeah, I know--I'm gonna pay in money, time, or both, but so far I've been able to find a middle ground on most of the big jobs if I do a lot of homework on the front end!


And thanks for the specs, Ididntdoit. Will watch for those things as I research.

 

[trflgrl]

Didn't get pics last weekend....but confirmed I may have to pull the engine for some other work so now the research begins in earnest. Any other suggestions on sources for new/used, preferably an individual or vendor/shop with know-how to help guide me on compatibility from a physical sizing/footprint perspective as well as functional perspective?

 

[dpmulvey]

Finally found it!!

http://www.kismetmarine.com

Call these folks. When I was going to rebuild as opposed to replacing, I stumbled upon them. They were a great help with the pros and cons of both. They have a setup with FedEx so shipping is not really a deal breaker. They may be able to rebuild yours or take it in trade on a westerbeke and conversion cables.

IMO, stay with something comparable to what you have in technology. When I went from a 4.5 carb to a 5.0 lo-CO EFI, the workarounds were unbelievable.