1971 F31 generator question

guglielmo6160 · Post by **guglielmo6160** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:08 pm

I know I have lots of questions,
there used to be a generator inbetween my engines , when , who knows, but the cable is still there which used to connect to the generator, however my question is, I am in the process of puchasing a new generator, and was wondering if anyone knew where the original exhaust for the generator used to exit, as I am buying a generic generator with electric start and would like to plumb it to the existing exhaust if it has one,

jddens · Post by **jddens** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:26 pm

Word of warning......make sure your new gen is a marine generator. I've heard comments on this forum in the past of people considering brands like honda and such. If you are mounting it in the engine room it is critical for your safety that you use a marine generator..............John

guglielmo6160 · Post by **guglielmo6160** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:27 pm

yes, it will be a marine generator,
can you explain the difference,

LSP · Post by **LSP** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:28 pm

Bill .... let me know if you find something at a good price ...Thanks

guglielmo6160 · Post by **guglielmo6160** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:31 pm

Will
Im currently looking at a unit that claims to be ok for marine use on ebay for
about 500 bucks, the reason Im looking at this one is that it has electric start, and 4000 watts, which should be enough for the a/c etc I just have to figure out what to do with the exhaust,

LSP · Post by **LSP** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:42 pm

A couple new ones I looked at would cost me more then I paid for the boat.

guglielmo6160 · Post by **guglielmo6160** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:44 pm

I know what you mean, do you know what the difference is between marine generators and conventional generators,

LSP · Post by **LSP** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:46 pm

not enough to give you an educated answer.

jimbo36 · Post by **jimbo36** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 9:14 pm

Bill, Don't even think about installing anything but a MARINE generator in the bildge of your boat. And no, NMMA says no other componant can share the engine exhust system. Wonder why Marine genni's are so expensive? It is because their interior and exterior componants are made to withstand the damp marine invironment. Also, their exhaust systems with "water locks" are quite extensive. Go online and check out these systems for yourself.

The only Cheap way to go is a portable unit to be used outboard only. ie. on deck or on the dock.

guglielmo6160 · Post by **guglielmo6160** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 9:17 pm

gotcha,
was just wondering where they routed the exhaust on my boat when it had the original exhaust,
I didnt see anything

Peter · Post by **Peter** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 9:21 pm

Marine electrical components are "ignition protected". This means much less likely to cause sparks, setting up a rather expensive fireworks display, right under your backside. [Gas fumes go boom]

jimbo36 · Post by **jimbo36** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 9:29 pm

Bill, The exhaust from the old genni would have gone through a waterlock system (looks like a cannister) and out the side of your boat. Look for a blocked through hull. It won't look like an exhaust port just a regular through hull fitting. You may also find markings of where the waterlock unit was mounted. Jimbo.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:15 pm

The exhust would be out the back in most cases . I have seen them run into the main engine exhust . A marine genset is of couse ingtion protected and has a wet exhust that will need a water lift muffler. you will need to run a fuel line from your tank also

Can you send me a link to this genset on ebay so I can tell you what I think ( don't worry I wont buy it out from under you I have a diesel one )
I can tell you if its a real marine genset or not

I can tell you a generic generator is not a marine generator to put one in your boat would be a time bomb !

guglielmo6160 · Post by **guglielmo6160** » Thu Nov 13, 2008 8:21 am

ok, I get it, well I guess the replacement is going to have to wait, I did some research after reading all your responces, and it seems there are alot of differences and its just not worth the risk ,
so what I may do in the meantime is buy a small portable and use it on deck, as you suggested. I just cant afford 7- 10 grand right now, thats more than I paid for the boat, and for just operating the a/c etc, its just not worth it
thanks to all for all your input, I appreciate it

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Thu Nov 13, 2008 9:50 am

Don't forget that not only does it have to be ignition protected and have a wet exhaust, but the engine itself has to be liquid cooled as well.