Punx's huge list of questions and problems!

Punx · Post by **Punx** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 12:26 pm

Ok so here's the list. I'll update as more issues arise. Any help would be much appreciated!
1976 Trojan F-36 Tri-Cabin w/ Twin Crusader 270 Gas Engines

1) Onan Generator
Two days ago: In the breaker box / switch panel I set the power selector to "Gen", I flipped the top generator switch to the on position. The exhaust fan ran for about 5 minutes then the generator kicked in. It sounded like any engine should, and produced enough power for the entire boat without hesitation. After 30 seconds, the lights dimmed and the generator slowly sputtered out. It would not start up again.

Now, I follow the exact same routine, the fan blows, stops, and then nothing. There's absolutely no noise coming from the generator. When I flip the switch on the actual generator from auto to ON, I still don't get anything. Is there anything i can do to manually start the generator, or at least diagnose the problem?

2) Starboard Engine
I bought the boat 5 days ago and drove it home. The trip took about 45 minutes, we were cruising around 14knts and the engine heat did not surpass 135. The marina we bought it from did not have the battery charger on, so we drained them all in a matter of 4 days. I re-charged the batteries, the port engine fired up immediately, and the starboard one turns over, but will not start, or fire up, or even sound like it's getting any gas. I'm going to try some ether tonight to see if that works. Do you have any other suggestions?

3) Aft Shower Pump
I ran the shower and filled up the basin, however, I cannot find a switch to start the pump to suck this water out. There is a switch right next to the exhaust fan, but it does nothing. If this is the switch to pump out the shower, I'll need to trace it to the pump and see whats wrong. I just want to make sure this is the switch I should be tracing.

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 1:00 pm

First of all welcome aboard and I hope you enjoy your tri-cabin We absolutely love ours.

The switch in the aft head that you described as being located next the the vent fan switch is the shower pump switch. The pump itself is located under the floor just outside the door to the head. There should be a removable panel there in the floor if it is like mine.

My generator has a manual start switch located on the electrical panel so not sure if there is any difference between mine and yours When I flip this switch it runs the starter on the generator but no exhaust fan comes on. Mine has never run right since I bought the boat three years ago and fortunately I really don't need it. From what I have read, they can be a pain to get running right.

As for the starboard engine, I would check all of the fuel filters to make sure they are clean and check for crimps in the fuel lines. You may also want to check the pickup tube in the tank to see if it is clear. Are you sure there is fuel in the starboard tank?

Since you know that the port engine is running, presumably off of the port tank, switch your crossover valves so that your starboard engine can pull fuel from your port tank and try starting it that way. At least you know there is fuel flowing from that tank.

135 water temp is standard for my Mercs but not sure about your Crusaders.

Good luck and post some pics when you get a chance - we love pics.

ready123 · Post by **ready123** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 1:11 pm

Hmm... not familiar with your model boat but did I read things correctly that you switched the power from shore (or off) to generator then started the generator?

If so you are starting the generator under an electrical load without allowing it to get up to speed and generate the full supply voltage...... you could have caused some damage to the genny controller.
One should get the genny started and warm running at speed before connecting it to the power supply load..... i.e. power switch to shore, start genny then switch to generator from shore.
What model is the generator? We can then look for the manual online...

There should be a manual start switche right on the generator housing...

Vitaliy · Post by **Vitaliy** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 8:55 pm

Ran into the same problem with my F36 Yest... the generator battery died and needed recharge, my boat is equipped with Sentry chargers and the one for the generator wasn't hooked into it when i purchased it...

as far as the pumps go mine is completely differently set up and cant help you there however i cannot find the switch for the fuel crossover... :/ just got the boat a week ago myself

as far as the engines, mine are 454's and run at approximately 140 as well however i had engine problems after she ran for a bit, the fuel pump gave out and needs to be replaced, found that out by rigging one on the side from a car lol