Going down a rabbit hole I had an old 1980 3kw Onan MDJ something. When it started up the whole boat shook. But I got lucky, I picked up a northern lights 5kw with 700 hours on it, with a sound shield, for $5000 Canadian. Installed my self, cost a couple of hundred dollars in parts. But I spent 9 years caring and feeding that Onan genset. The genset always complained and getting rid of it was a very happy day.
A standing room engine room is such a luxury! The engine room in my 36' is cramped. I have to crawl around almost everywhere. Great job on the generator. The cost is worth the experience that you gained.
I'm in your situation, my 8kw westerbeke back end died at 3000 hours. I was shocked at a new Phasor 10k cost so I was thinking about rewinding after watching your first video. I got the phone number for Broward Armatore and started watching you second video and hit the brakes on the rewind. Thank you for your video, now I need to get rid of the old one.
Recently I took out my generator (Kohler 7.5kw) mainly because it blocked access to engine room plus I never used it because I’m on dock most of time. Took it out by taking it apart piece by piece. I wasn’t careful because it was going to scrap yard. It was fun pulling apart demolition style. Now I have full access to repair and maintain my engines and it was the best decision I’ve made on my boat. I plan on installing 2,000 watt inverter using existing wiring from generator. Other boat owner in my marina have followed my lead and done the same.
Very expensive and frustrating lessons youve learned. I learned a very similar lesson rebuilding a perkins 4-108, only to have to repower a year later. Best thing to come out of that was a sparkling clean freshly repainted bilge lol. Great video my friend.
@@AquaCultured and that experience,although frustrating is so valuable for future decisions. They can actually save you alot of time and money in the future.
My 1991 8 KW Westerbeake is in a tight hole I can't hardly get the belt shroud off and needs mounts & rails, the injector pump is leaking somewhere. Sooo, I will take heed from your video. Thanks!!
11:07 Wow, the salon looks so different with old settee, Congratulations on repairing it, I think a new one would cost a lot more monetarily but maybe not as much of a pain in you ars, lol. Great video with a ton of information that I saved for my future boat rehab.
Right!? Such a different the new loveseat made. You got that right, a new one definitely would have been the easier and less painful route! Oh well. I hope it is helpful for others
You've helped me make up my mind! I'm in a similar spot with a 25 yro Onan that has given me various problems over the years (seems to eat raw water pumps, not the impeller but the seals) and recently stopped producing output. It might be the AVR (at least $1500) or it may be the generator end itself. Likely it will need to be pulled to fully diagnose as it's in a terrible spot. I think I will try to sell it, and put in something newer and quieter.
Super glad the video was helpful. That definitely sounds like a plan that I can endorse, especially if you are going to pull it out of the boat regardless. Best of luck and let me know how it goes
A new generator will cost you twice what you have spent so yeah, balance that against time and hassle. You are definitely learning how to do it though!
Yep, I figured it would have been $12-13k for a new gen-set. I spent $6,500 in just parts and re-winding, probably around $1,000 for my mechanic for a portion of the work, my time was probably worth about $3,000 at least, and I may have been able to get around $2,000 for the old gen-set. So that puts me right in the ballpark of that new setup. And not to mention my generator was unusable for long periods of time. But like you said, the experience and knowledge gained is priceless. And I didn’t need to go to a gym!
I got hit with 440 3 phase! Knocked me 10 feet still standing on my feet. After all of the feeling came back I found out I was lucky in the way it happened since I had no real injury from the shock. Just remember when facing a problem like this. It could always be worst!😊😊😊 Also a simple observation. use 2 hose clamps whenever possible! You should have told them what the normal output voltage required was for your boat the first time 😮
Oh boy, that’s intense! I always look for the silver lining, which is usually there. Indeed, I do use two hose clamps whenever possible (enough real estate for two to properly bite without damaging hose). Yep, that was a mistake both for not telling them what voltage I was running and not asking when I picked up the unit. Really appreciate you watching and contributing. Have a great week
Anytime I've heard the statement 'we have to recast the [fill in part] I usually have sat back and done some serious contemplating. Over a few beers. And tears 🤪
I feel your pain. I also have a DeFever44 with a 8KW Westerbeke. Replacing bits and pieces but not anything serious. Will replace with new if I have a major issue. 3000 hrs and still works OK.
It was expensive to repaint the entire boat. One good painter with a helper. I had to live in a friends garage apartment for 6 months, pay for my slip though, empty, pay for yard fees @ $20.00 / day but just like any house, it must be maintained. @@AquaCultured
This was great, thanks for all that detail. The engine sounds quiet for a Westerbeke , valves clearances must be just right ? Is there a maintenance process for the armature bearing to stop it giving up again
Thanks so much! The engine does run pretty darn smooth, but I think the video doesn’t really pick up the extent of the noise. But all in all not terrible. I am told the new bearing is of much better quality than the previous and I should get 30+ years out of it. I may look in to oiling it from time to time, but there is not much else I could see being done
Those guys did a kickass job on your generator, but THEY should have paid to fix the mistake since they set it up for higher voltage instead of putting it back together the way you brought it in
Yeah I probably should have gone through with it. I figured I would get another couple years out of it and then I will take care of it, along with preventative heat exchanger replacement
Thank you much. It was quite the feeling to push through it and finally succeed. The bearing is fully sealed and requires no maintenance. I am told it is much more robust than what came with the generator, so I will likely not have to mess with that part again
I was looking at a 6kw Fischer Panda generator. for my sailboat and I couldn’t believe they wanted $13,000 for it. Have you heard anything about the reliability of Northern lights(sp.) generators. I have noticed one 44 for sale that has one installed.
Well, you don’t have all the sails and rigging to deal with on a trawler. It’s all but a compromise. It is common for a sailor to move on to a trawler when they get tired of all of the work moving from point A to point B, and not be so cramped. Don’t get me wrong though, I love sailboats and sailing!
@@AquaCultured Agreed I did some sailing years ago but did you ever notice that 80% of sail boats underway are using their engine power not sails when going from point A to B. Humm, lol.
@@darrylb4048 haha! Funny how often you see that! I have heard many folks tell me they went from sailboat to trawler because they were motoring most of the time anyway and they were tired of the hassle with the sails and rigging
Something in the voltage regulator was allowing the electricity to stray out through the body of the generator and through its copper fuel line connection
Your mechanic made a bad call bud, and should have insisted you change that thermostat housing and thermostat while you are doing all this other stuff because that's going to be hell on you if that thermostat goes while you are 20 miles offshore! Hopefully its still running good bud
The bench test they ran verified correct voltages at 120 and 240. There was fault on both sides. I noticed that the jumpers in a different position and should have checked with them before hooking it up. And it would have been great for them to let me know that the jumpers needed to be set back to 120. Overall, they were accommodating overall to help out. Valuable lesson learned
Going down a rabbit hole
I had an old 1980 3kw Onan MDJ something. When it started up the whole boat shook. But I got lucky, I picked up a northern lights 5kw with 700 hours on it, with a sound shield, for $5000 Canadian. Installed my self, cost a couple of hundred dollars in parts. But I spent 9 years caring and feeding that Onan genset. The genset always complained and getting rid of it was a very happy day.
That’s a great deal on that Northern Lights! You definitely paid your dues
Sounds like you are wiser today, thank you for sharing.
I like to think so! Thanks again for watching Harold
So good to see that you do things correctly and not half-ass.
I do try to whole-ass things as much as I can! 😅. I appreciate it Charles!
Great Great video, you were gone for awhile and really missed your videos. Glad that your back, stay safe.
John, so much appreciation for that! It’s good to be back. Stay tuned!
Butch you got some balls doing all that work yourself, and I think you are very talented in your presentations too.
Is this Uncle Charlie!? It definitely wasn’t for the faint of heart, glad I survived it! Thank you so much
@@AquaCultured yes it is your uncle charlie,
A standing room engine room is such a luxury! The engine room in my 36' is cramped. I have to crawl around almost everywhere.
Great job on the generator. The cost is worth the experience that you gained.
I'm in your situation, my 8kw westerbeke back end died at 3000 hours. I was shocked at a new Phasor 10k cost so I was thinking about rewinding after watching your first video. I got the phone number for Broward Armatore and started watching you second video and hit the brakes on the rewind. Thank you for your video, now I need to get rid of the old one.
Another great video brother. Keep up the good work. Band of brothers and sisters 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Yessir! Thanks for the support brother!
Always like to see equipment restored 😎😎🚢🚢🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍
I agree!
Recently I took out my generator (Kohler 7.5kw) mainly because it blocked access to engine room plus I never used it because I’m on dock most of time. Took it out by taking it apart piece by piece. I wasn’t careful because it was going to scrap yard. It was fun pulling apart demolition style. Now I have full access to repair and maintain my engines and it was the best decision I’ve made on my boat. I plan on installing 2,000 watt inverter using existing wiring from generator. Other boat owner in my marina have followed my lead and done the same.
Very expensive and frustrating lessons youve learned. I learned a very similar lesson rebuilding a perkins 4-108, only to have to repower a year later. Best thing to come out of that was a sparkling clean freshly repainted bilge lol. Great video my friend.
Thanks Doug! Haha! Yeah that damn hindsight, but usually there is that silver lining!!
@@AquaCultured and that experience,although frustrating is so valuable for future decisions. They can actually save you alot of time and money in the future.
@@dougfaulkner6799 100 percent!
My 1991 8 KW Westerbeake is in a tight hole I can't hardly get the belt shroud off and needs mounts & rails, the injector pump is leaking somewhere. Sooo, I will take heed from your video. Thanks!!
Oh boy! Best of luck! I hope is atleast somewhat helpful for you
11:07 Wow, the salon looks so different with old settee, Congratulations on repairing it, I think a new one would cost a lot more monetarily but maybe not as much of a pain in you ars, lol. Great video with a ton of information that I saved for my future boat rehab.
Right!? Such a different the new loveseat made. You got that right, a new one definitely would have been the easier and less painful route! Oh well. I hope it is helpful for others
You've helped me make up my mind! I'm in a similar spot with a 25 yro Onan that has given me various problems over the years (seems to eat raw water pumps, not the impeller but the seals) and recently stopped producing output. It might be the AVR (at least $1500) or it may be the generator end itself. Likely it will need to be pulled to fully diagnose as it's in a terrible spot. I think I will try to sell it, and put in something newer and quieter.
Super glad the video was helpful. That definitely sounds like a plan that I can endorse, especially if you are going to pull it out of the boat regardless. Best of luck and let me know how it goes
A new generator will cost you twice what you have spent so yeah, balance that against time and hassle. You are definitely learning how to do it though!
Yep, I figured it would have been $12-13k for a new gen-set. I spent $6,500 in just parts and re-winding, probably around $1,000 for my mechanic for a portion of the work, my time was probably worth about $3,000 at least, and I may have been able to get around $2,000 for the old gen-set. So that puts me right in the ballpark of that new setup. And not to mention my generator was unusable for long periods of time. But like you said, the experience and knowledge gained is priceless. And I didn’t need to go to a gym!
I got hit with 440 3 phase! Knocked me 10 feet still standing on my feet. After all of the feeling came back I found out I was lucky in the way it happened since I had no real injury from the shock.
Just remember when facing a problem like this. It could always be worst!😊😊😊 Also a simple observation. use 2 hose clamps whenever possible! You should have told them what the normal output voltage required was for your boat the first time 😮
Oh boy, that’s intense! I always look for the silver lining, which is usually there. Indeed, I do use two hose clamps whenever possible (enough real estate for two to properly bite without damaging hose).
Yep, that was a mistake both for not telling them what voltage I was running and not asking when I picked up the unit.
Really appreciate you watching and contributing. Have a great week
You do the same!
Anytime I've heard the statement 'we have to recast the [fill in part] I usually have sat back and done some serious contemplating. Over a few beers. And tears 🤪
Middle of video so far and you're version of finesse and ours at the ranch = large tools & sledgehammers 😂
'your' o.o ...i went to public school, sorry...
I feel your pain. I also have a DeFever44 with a 8KW Westerbeke. Replacing bits and pieces but not anything serious. Will replace with new if I have a major issue. 3000 hrs and still works OK.
Glad to hear it has needed only minor attention, hope it stays that way for you! What year is your DF?
@@AquaCultured 1999. I have lived aboard for 5 years. Total repaint 2 years ago.
@@jmp.t28b99 oh nice! As I have been repainting decks and window frames, I have been realizing that I could use a topside paint job. One day!
1999 10 years younger than yours.@@AquaCultured
It was expensive to repaint the entire boat. One good painter with a helper. I had to live in a friends garage apartment for 6 months, pay for my slip though, empty, pay for yard fees @ $20.00 / day but just like any house, it must be maintained. @@AquaCultured
That generator is your Kryptonite 😂😂😂 needs a name for sure haha Great video buddy
100%! Good point, I need to come up with a name! Thanks dude!
This was great, thanks for all that detail. The engine sounds quiet for a Westerbeke , valves clearances must be just right ? Is there a maintenance process for the armature bearing to stop it giving up again
Thanks so much! The engine does run pretty darn smooth, but I think the video doesn’t really pick up the extent of the noise. But all in all not terrible. I am told the new bearing is of much better quality than the previous and I should get 30+ years out of it. I may look in to oiling it from time to time, but there is not much else I could see being done
Thanks for the vid!
Appreciate your final "in the end" comments.
Roger that, thank you!
Thanks for the video. Where was your go-to source for exhaust elbow, water pump, etc…?
Yacht Power Products in St. Petersburg, FL
Those guys did a kickass job on your generator, but THEY should have paid to fix the mistake since they set it up for higher voltage instead of putting it back together the way you brought it in
Yeah, hind sight….they did a fantastic job I must say though and we’re lucky to have them available for this type of work
boy , I got lucky , mine just needed a seawater pump !
You sure did!
Lol! You are like me. If it were not for bad luck I wouldn’t have any luck at all.
😅😅😅 Bad luck and boat luck are one in the same
@@AquaCultured I’ve heard a boat is a hole in the water that you throw all your money in. 😂
@@jasongrinnell1986 indeed
I would have done the thermo and housing, just because how you said it needs to be done. If you’re underway and it fails that would suck
Yeah I probably should have gone through with it. I figured I would get another couple years out of it and then I will take care of it, along with preventative heat exchanger replacement
Great Lil video . Thank you. Ur engine room is nice and big. Like that. You gt a thinking stool in there?
Thanks very much Jason. I love my engine room. You bet, I have a thinking bucket!
The most dangerous thing in boating is someone in your engine room with tools who doesn’t know what they are doing.
100% accurate. By the way, big fan of your vessel. I believe we met on the Metro’s Matthew’s years ago
Well done in the end you succeeded - is that rear generator bearing fully sealed or does it require regular greasing ? Regards
Thank you much. It was quite the feeling to push through it and finally succeed. The bearing is fully sealed and requires no maintenance. I am told it is much more robust than what came with the generator, so I will likely not have to mess with that part again
Good job, also our Onan 12,5 kW genny pain My ass, we are jobbing similar hobby, wish Capt. Wiki
Thanks cap! How about that! Good luck with that Onan!
I was looking at a 6kw Fischer Panda generator. for my sailboat and I couldn’t believe they wanted $13,000 for it. Have you heard anything about the reliability of Northern lights(sp.) generators. I have noticed one 44 for sale that has one installed.
Yeah I have heard those Fisher Pandas are pricey, but they sure are compact! Northern lights are great gensets from what I have experienced
So....a trawler is like a sailboat. Only a lot more stuff that will break and more expensive. Got it.
Well, you don’t have all the sails and rigging to deal with on a trawler. It’s all but a compromise. It is common for a sailor to move on to a trawler when they get tired of all of the work moving from point A to point B, and not be so cramped. Don’t get me wrong though, I love sailboats and sailing!
@@AquaCultured Agreed I did some sailing years ago but did you ever notice that 80% of sail boats underway are using their engine power not sails when going from point A to B. Humm, lol.
@@darrylb4048 haha! Funny how often you see that! I have heard many folks tell me they went from sailboat to trawler because they were motoring most of the time anyway and they were tired of the hassle with the sails and rigging
What was causing the short to the fuel line, etc.? Super dangerous
Something in the voltage regulator was allowing the electricity to stray out through the body of the generator and through its copper fuel line connection
Your mechanic made a bad call bud, and should have insisted you change that thermostat housing and thermostat while you are doing all this other stuff because that's going to be hell on you if that thermostat goes while you are 20 miles offshore! Hopefully its still running good bud
Yeah it was a collective decision. All is still going well years later
@@AquaCultured glad it all worked out. Looks like he might have redeemed himself if you are still running strong. Best of luck moving forward bud
What a nightmare! Ugh
Indeed it was!!
If Broward didnt put the jumpers back on correctly ( the way they got them) they obviously didnt test and confirm 120V output, Whats the deal there?
The bench test they ran verified correct voltages at 120 and 240. There was fault on both sides. I noticed that the jumpers in a different position and should have checked with them before hooking it up. And it would have been great for them to let me know that the jumpers needed to be set back to 120. Overall, they were accommodating overall to help out. Valuable lesson learned
Sounds like You should about a new one
In hindsight I probably should have
Bravo! Informative video. Thank you for posting.