Wanting to test run Gen and AC on the trailer..

[bbwhitejr]

Anything I should know about hooking up the fake-a-lake (looks like a toilet plunger with a hose fitting) and testing out my gen and ac while in the driveway?

Thanks,

 

[Madifonzo]

I don't think the plunger thing works that well. I prefer to close seacocks and put a garden hose in the sea strainers.

 

[bbwhitejr]

So that method works good on both systems for only running 3-4 mins?

 

[tc410]

By AC I assume you mean air conditioning and not AC voltage. You'll need two water sources... One for the generator cooling system and another for the AC water pump..... Good luck, seems kinda tough to manage both pickups - unless you have an extra hose and an extra set of hands.

 

[bbwhitejr]

Why would you need two at one time if you run the air conditioning off of shore power?

 

[Drifter85258]

Why would you need two at one time if you run the air conditioning off of shore power?

Ac uses raw water also for cooling. Two diff seacocks, one for gen and one for AC. Agreed it might be a bit tricky to get both. If you have two hoses I have had success with these http://t.homedepot.com/p/Sioux-Chie...e-Fit-Mechanical-Test-Plug-HD882-4/202313214/. You will need to get the right size for your strainer and drill out the opening to get water flow. Cheap and effective.

 

[Drifter85258]

Just realized more explanation might help. You take the cap off of your strainer, put the fitting in, put hose to fitting (can do prior), and turn on water. You probably need a 2" fitting but you will want to check. I use a large wood drill bit to open the end of the fitting to get water flow. Hope it helps. By the way, you can use these for winterization also (hook up to antifreeze).

 

[GrandMaster]

Why would you need two at one time if you run the air conditioning off of shore power?

If you are not going to power the Air Conditioning from the generator and are using shore power instead you do not need two at a time.

I like the hose in the strainer idea better myself.

 

[MonacoMike]

We discussed this topic and our most respected members gave valuable input. Please read this thread:

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/64912-can-i-start-my-generator-out-of-water

Stop! NO!

Never start a generator with the boat out of the water, unless, you have a helper and you get the generator running before you open the hose valve and let the water enter the generator intake. The reason is because generators are very small and it is very easy to apply enough pressure and volume to fill the engine with water thru the exhaust valves. Do that while trying to start one and you will almost certainly hydrolock one. Hydrolocking ='s all sorts of bent and expensive metal like connecting rods, pushrods, valves, etc.

MM

 

[bbwhitejr]

Really good guidance here. After reading all of the opinions/advice, sounds like the common theme is "over pressuring" the gen. It likes to draw only what it needs and "force feeding" it can force water into the exhaust valves. On the air conditioning, it can deal with garden hose water pressure as it is only circulating water through coils and not an engine. The "fake-a-lake" would work with the top off of the strainer allowing water to overflow into the bilge. This would be the same as putting the hose end into the strainer. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Madifonzo]

Yes I have run my engines and AC for about 10 minutes with no issues. Just make sure you have good water flow and that the water pumps don't empty the strainers. Also, be sure you take the transom drain plug out as you will fill your bilge.

 

[Madifonzo]

That is why I like the strainer method without a fitting...it will only take what water it needs since you are not pressurizing with a garden hose. I simply remove the strainer cover and filter and stick the hose down and turn on water. The excess water will simply over flow and run out the bilge. When you start the motor, it will take whatever water it needs. As I mentioned, just make sure you don't let the water flow get ahead of The hose.

 

[bbwhitejr]

Allow the gen to take what it wants without forcing it. Got it.

Good deal and thanks. I am servicing my generator this week and wanted to run before splashing the boat. Thanks again.