MASE 2.7B Generator Winterization

[dclagett]

In the MASE generator manual it references a thermostat in the maintenance schedule that should be checked, however in the manual text there is no reference to the thermostat. If the generator has a thermostat is it in the raw water circuit or part of the air flow through the radiator that cools the engine? My question is if the thermostat is in the raw water circuit do I need to drain the raw water system or bring the generator up to normal temperature before I run antifreeze through the cooling system?

Thanks, Dick

 

[snydzy]

"Check the thermostat function" under the maintenence schedule is marked with an icon. Under the maintenence schedule it refers to this icon as: ● In presence of this symbol it is obligatory to effect the technical support in an authorized retailer /workshop .....
Otherwise:

6.17 PERIODS OF INACTIVITY
Start up the generator at least once a month. If the generator is not to be used for a long period of time, carry out the following operations:
- Change the engine oil.
- Replace the oil filter cartridge (see par.6.5).
- Replace the fuel filter cartridge (see par.6.6, 6.7).
- Remove the injector and pour 2 cc of engine oil into
the cylinder and let the engine turn a few times by manually operating the drive shaft pulley.
Refit the injector.
- Replace the zinc pads (see par.6.11)
- Aspirate some antifreeze into the seawater intake
pipe in order to protect the exchangers against low temperatures, and lubricate the seawater pump impeller and the metal parts in the cooling system.
- Disconnect the starter battery and store it in a dry place (see par. 6.15)
- Disconnect the sea exhaust pipe from the engine manifold.
- Clean the seawater filter.
- Close the seawater intake cock.
- Drain the seawater from the exhaust.
- Clean and lubricate the antisiphon valve (siphon
break), if installed.
- Clean the outside of the generator, removing all dust
and impurities.
- Cover the generator with a nylon sheet and store it
in horizontal position in a dry and ventilated place.

 

[dclagett]

Snydzy,

Yes, my manual reads the same as yours. The closest dealer is 1100 miles away which is not very helpful. I have also read the Ranger Tug tech note on how to winterize the generator. So I was trying to get more information on the the thermostat referenced in the maintenance schedule to help me understand any pitfalls in the winterization process.

Thanks,

Dick

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Dick: If it helps here is what I have done for 5 winterization seasons. I run the generator until it is warmed up, opening up any thermostat. I then close the thru hull fitting and take the hose off of the sea strainer. With the hose off I put it in an upright position and put a small funnel into the hose opening and have a gallon of RV engine anti freeze opened. I have someone start the genset and as they do I pour the anti freeze into the funnel while the person who started the genset watches for the colored antifreeze to start coming out of the side hull discharge fitting. Once this happens my helper turns the genset off. I reinstalled the hose to the thru hull fitting and leave it closed until the boat is out of the water. At that time I'll open the fitting up to let any untreated water release itself from the fitting itself and then close it after an hour or so. I change the zinc if needed, change the oil and fuel filter as needed and disconnect the battery when I disconnect all of the boat batteries. I don't take the impeller out but others do so it does not stay in one position for the entire winter. If you take it out place it in a ziplock bag to seal it from air to keep it from drying out. I don't take mine out because I'm usually only winterizing for a couple of months at most.

Hope this helps,

Jim F

 

[dclagett]

Jim,

Thanks, that does help a lot. Knowing what you have successfully done in a colder climate and that our boats are very similar, provides me the confidence to proceed.

Thanks again,

Dick