|
|
From: Norm of Bandersnatch (no email)
Date: Sun Jun 03 2007 - 14:11:47 EDT
Last night I started the genset to fill up the house batteries after a day
of rain and TV/computer operations.
While lying in the berth the sound of the water coming out the genset
exhaust was not quite right but it was coming out so I just ignored it and
tuned in to Mythbusters.
After about an hour or more I went to the inverter to check the charging
process and noticed the sound from the engine room hatch nearby was not
quite right. Upon entering the ER I found seawater spraying out of the
genset toward the centerline of the boat. I immediately called to Jan to
shut down the genset. I found that the seawater cooling hose entering the
strainer just downstream from the seawater pump (written up several times
in the past) had come off the hose barb. The hose clamp had failed and the
hose had come off the barb, but not completely, about half the water was
going on downstream (and keeping the exhaust hose thermoswitch from closing
and shutting down the genset) and half spraying into the engine room.
The size 12 spiral hose clamp is marked "IDEAL 300SS", the letters UPC
diagonally in a shield, and a R in a circle. There is significant rust
around the break but nowhere else. It would have been noticed during a
careful inspection.
It made a big mess that took me most of the day to clean up. I won't know
for some time if the seawater has caused any damage to nearby equipment.
Lessons Learned
When I am aware of something "not quite right" investigate immediately.
Rig a bilge alarm.
Norm
S/V Bandersnatch
Lying 30 40.427N 081 28.245W
Fernandina Beach FL
___________________________________________________________________________
|| The Live-Aboard List : send a "subscribe" or "unsubscribe" request ||
|| in body of message to: ||
|