MASE Generator cooling water

[LADYBUG TOO]

There are three outlets on the main engine sea water strainer. One, of course, plumbed to the engine, a second plumbed to the seawater wash down pump and the remaining plumbed to the Tecma head flush supply pump. The generator has its own inlet and sea cock but a very small strainer. Our fine Florida sea weed plugs the generator strainer quite easily. Can the wash down pump or the head supply pump connections be swapped so that the generator can draw from the larger engine strainer? The sea cock for the generator is very close to the wash down pump.

Pat & Carolyn, Ladybug, Too

 

[Todd]

Answer, NO...

The inlet to the main strainer has a scoop to assist with water flow when the boat is in motion and help wash debris off the strainer. This scoop will cause water to flow into the generator cooling system even if the generator is not running. This will flood the exhaust system and allow water to enter whichever cylinder has the exhaust valve open causing a hydrolock upon start up and serious damage.

The generator should only be connected to a flush mounted seacock.

 

[LADYBUG TOO]

Todd,

Thanks! I wondered why the generator sea cock was just a straight through with no scoop. Makes sense now! Wow I would have trashed the MASE for sure. Which, is why I asked since most things seem to be done for a reason. I guess the only option is a larger strainer. We had to shut down the generator several times during one of our cruises this summer. We were only getting an hour or so before the strainer was beginning to clog. Anyone with a suggested strainer model???

Pat & Carolyn, Ladybug, Too

 

[Kenny Marrs]

Hello Pat and Carolyn,

I would recommend using the Vetus cooling waterstrainer type 140. This should be an easy strainer to install on your boat.

Thanks,
-Kenny