Newbie to Generators - restoration project

[FrankyB]

Hello, I'm restoring a 1989 Four Winns Vista 315 that came with a generator. I've not had a generator in prior boats so I need some coaching and education. My first question is related to a Vernalift exhaust that is currently installed. How does one know if it is working properly or not? Secondly, this boat has not been in water for 5 years yet when I uninstalled the unit, it had water in it. Is this normal for water to be in the unit? Lastly, what is the sole purpose of this unit - muffler to diff use sound?? Thanks!
​Frank

 

[wrench 3]

It's a muffler. It operates with an exhaust and water mix, so if no one drained it there would still be water in it. I'm hoping that it doesn't freeze where you are!
The only concerns with operation is if it leaks. But don't forget that you need to supply water to the gen-set if your going to run it.

 

[FrankyB]

Thanks Wrench 3. Another question: The exhaust thruhull attaches to the port at the top of the unit and the side port goes to the generator. Note on the picture I'm attaching to this post that the hose connecting to the generator appears to have a "collar type" hose attached. Why doesn't the hose attached to the muffler just attach to the generator without this collar? Is this typical or something the previous owner may have jerry rigged?

​Frank

​

 

[wrench 3]

I'm afraid that your picture didn't come through.
I'm logging off now, so won't be back until tomorrow.

 

[Grub54891]

That is a waterbath muffler as stated. Water gets injected by the riser at the genset.. The pic didn't come through in the 2nd post but is the collar a hose? it is probably the way it's designed. Try a pic again.

 

[FrankyB]

Re send of picture

 

[Grub54891]

If that is indeed 2 pcs of hose, to reduce the size to fit the muffler, It's not right. It should be the same size right in through. If it can't be... You could install a reducing nipple on there to get it to the correct size, as long as you don't get to much back pressure. Just 2 hoses clamped together it will fail, as the inner hose will collapse, and leak. You wont know it till the boat fills with water, and exhaust. Not good.

 

[wrench 3]

I agree with Grub that it's a reducer. It's hard to say if it's original equipment or if some one installed a smaller muffler. But if it works OK under load, It should be fine.

 

[Grub54891]

The more I look at the pic of the hoses, I think it used to have a direct attachment at the riser. I see the old clamp marks on the hose. I would think the smaller hose is correct, but the extension off the riser rusted or broke. They added the bigger hose to repair it. Remove the hose and have a look. Let us know what you find.

 

[wrench 3]

I was thinking that the OP had removed those clamps. They would be needed with the adapter anyway.

 

[Grub54891]

I was thinking that the OP had removed those clamps. They would be needed with the adapter anyway.[/QUOerofeb
I was thinking the old clamps were there before the po moved them.