Generator raw water control valve

[Larry1030]

Recently the electric raw water control valve for the generator on my 2019 R27OB failed. The generator would run for a few minutes but would shut down because of a high temperature situation. It was determined that the valve did open to allow raw water in to cool the unit. My mechanic recommended replacing the automatic valve with a manual valve which I open and close manually each time I start or shut down the generator. As anyone else experienced this problem and is there any issue with the manual valve set up. All is working fine with the manual valve.

 

[Larry1030]

Correction. The raw water valve “didn’t” open to allow raw water in to cool the unit.

 

[Capt’nKarl]

I’ve never had an electrically opened thru hull valve and quite frankly would not want one. When you physically open and close a thru hull with your own hands you know just where you stand. It becomes part of your launch checklist to open the thru hulls.
Cheers,
Karl

 

[Larry1030]

Karl,
The electric raw water control valve was after the strainer and not at the thru hull. However I like you point of being in control of all raw water openings.

 

[BB marine]

The electric valve is installed to prevent water intrusion in the generator while not running. The generator thru hull as a high speed pickup so when cruising the water can be forced up into the generator engine. The electric solenoid valve is a auto valve that each time the generator is started the valve opens and the generator can pull water for cooling. Some of the original R23 and R27 did not have this feature and the generator crankcases were filling with water and hydro locking. The manual seacock is a good idea as long as you have a method to remember opening the seacock each time you start the generator and a memory to close it each time you shut it off. If you forget when starting you will burn up an impeller. If you forgot to shut it you will fill the engine with water. The question is what to you trust more, the auto switch or you?

 

[Larry1030]

Thanks Brian. Was wondering why the electric control valve was even needed. Will take caution to close the manual valve when the generator is not in use. Since I converted the to toilet to fresh water, that thru hull strainer is only for the generator and raw water wash anyway. Therefore the thru hull is generally closed unless the generator is running.

 

[Matty]

After failure of the valve I changed mine to manual as well. Seems to work fine. But will also admit I am considering changing it back to electronic for reason Brian points out. Cannot trust I will always remember to shut the valve.