Marine Generator Repair

Diesel Services of America has a team of certified technicians dedicated to marine diesel generators. We offer a variety of services for marine diesel generators. All ocean going boats should have routine marine diesel generator maintenance done on a regular basis. You cannot rely only on a seasonal timeframe reminder but hours used is your best thermometer for getting your maintenance done. We can also fix and perform marine generator repair along with brand new crate factory installations. We work with all Marine Generators: MAN, John Deere, Volvo Penta, Cummins Onan, Perkins, Kohler, Westerbeke, Northern Lights. If you need any type of marine generator repair call Diesel Services of America. Here are some basic tips that you will find useful into getting the most from your marine diesel generator.

Failure to do a visual inspection is the most common mistake advanced and novice mariners continue to make on a regular basis. Marine Generators are typically forgotten as they are one of the most reliable components on any boat. You start them up after you have unhooked your ship to shore power cord and flip a few switches. Routine marine generator maintenance will help you avoid more expensive marine generator repair. Don’t let your marine generator become a hazard to you and or your crew. The rigors of a harsh marine environment can take their toll on the most reliable marine generator over time.

When installing a marine generator you should take the same precaution as you would for your marine diesel engine powerplant. Marine Generators should use thru-bolts as opposed to any type of screw. SS316 (stainless steel) bolts should be used as salt and corrosion will always be a factor for any boat. Using SS316 stainless threaded inserts into which machined screws are threaded using tapped metal plates is also a widely used alternative.

Never allow your marine genset exhaust to be combined with your marine diesel engines exhaust. If you marine generator is not running the marine diesel engine’s coolant water can easily backflow into your marine genset. If this scenario occurs you will be lucky to only escape with a ruined genset as the noxious fumes can be deadly.

Using a marine grade wire reinforced hose is mandatory for a marine generators raw water intake and exhaust. Resistance to clogging from foreign objects and large vacuums make using a wire reinforced hose the standard practice.

Proper location for the seawater intake valve is paramount to your boat staying afloat. Having the valve easily accessible is key if your hose fails (which they do). This also allows for easier cleaning of your marine generator strainers which will undoubtedly have seagrass, creatures & crustaceans and any other multitude of goodies slurped up.

Checking the height of the marine generator anti siphon valve and that the marine exhaust elbow are at their exact distance according to manufacturer specifications. Many factors must be taken into account including the types of conditions in which your vessel operates. Rolling and pitching on the high seas will cause issues if not properly distanced.

Visual inspection was the underlying factor for all of these tip except this last one. Having a carbon monoxide detector is integral to everyone’s health. Gas cannot be seen and no shortcuts should be attempted when dealing with carbon monoxide detection.

Call Diesel Services of America if you have any questions about getting on a routine marine generator maintenance program or marine generator repair. 954-781-1464