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The impeller on my generator disintegrates if I try to use it while trolling in choppy water or cruising in calm water. It seem the raw water pick up comes out of the water or somehow sucks air. I have replaced the impeller 5 times in the last 12 months. Has anyone else had this problem?
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Genset issued
Call me so I can help you with this . . . 757.461.6301 . . .
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Tswann,Originally posted by Tswann View Post
I'd be interested in a "quick rundown" on the answer to this one. H about it???LukeComment
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Answer
Single Interest has not called yet, but here is the most common culprit.
If there have been no modifications to the genest install, i.e. adding a scoop to the intake or moving the intake from its factory installed position then the problem lies with the raw water pump on the genset. There have been no reported problems of this kind from an install standpoint and Mac himsef is running hull #1 on the 35 without incident and his genset runs from start to finish on his trips.
If the boat is older (i.e. not brand new) the cams in the raw water pump are probably worn so its suction ability is decreased. The cams in the pump place pressure against the impeller and give the pump its ability to draw water up and push it through the raw water circuit. With Westerbeke gensets it is usually easiest to just bolt on a new raw water pump assembly and install a new belt while you are down there. Another possibility is that the cover plate on the pump is worn, which would also decrease suction/lift. The cover plate gasket maybe not be there or its mating surface scarred creating more of the same issue . . . Keep the old pump, rebuild at your leisure and have a backup.Comment
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Generator on 35'CC
Tswann, I have been away for a few days since posting the question, the reason I didn't call. Thanks for the reply. Since no one else responded regarding re-positioning the raw water intake I will replace the pump and see if that corrects the impeller disintegration problem.Comment
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1500 hours on my westerbeke no problems..rebuilt pump once due to marina staff error.Real Men do it Standing upComment
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generator
Replacing the water pump did the trick. No problems since July.Comment
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