Gen water leak maybe?

[RWS]

1987 3607. we took the boat out for an overnight stay. Cruised about 2 hours , dropped anchor and then ran the gen for an hour. Next morning we started the gen again for about an hour to charge back up the house batteries . Cruised around and back to the dock. Looked in the hatch and noticed some water in the gen oil catch pan and in the haul underneath it.
So I fired the gen up and couldn't see a leak. could it be condensation or a small leak I just can't see. Viper what are your thoughts sir? Thank you everyone for ideas.

[g36]

Buehler? Buehler?

[Viper]

You really have to look close to see if there is a leak from the genny while it's running. Make sure you run it to operating temp and put a good load on it. Check all the lines, water pump, drain plugs, gasketed joints, etc. Unless there is fresh water plumbing or another water source above or close to the generator that might be leaking on it, there really shouldn't be any water in the bottom pan unless it's coming from the generator. The pan is shallow but still high enough that it would have to be a fair drip to fill that up and overflow into the bilge unless it simply shook out on your way back to port.

What brand and model generator do you have? Is it an Onan MCCK, and is it fresh water or raw water cooled?

[RWS]

it is fresh water cooled Onan. Had an impeller go bad this year, wondering if it the housing is not sealed well or a line is a little loose. It ran well, just like it always has.

[Viper]

The water pump isn't the easiest thing to get at on that model. Did you replace the gasket? Again, check everything while it's running at temp and under a good load.

[RWS]

will do thank you.

[Viper]

I remember the location of the genny in the 3607 but don't recall if there are any fresh water system lines running above it against the bulkhead. Turn on your fresh water pump and check for leaks above the genny. If your pump cycles with all the faucets off, then there's a leak somewhere or a faulty check valve in the pump. For your vintage, you probably have the grey Qest lines and fittings. Check the fittings for leaks.

[RWS]

it is fresh water cooled Onan. Had an impeller go bad this year, wondering if it the housing is not sealed well or a line is a little loose. It ran well, just like it always has.

I remember the location of the genny in the 3607 but don't recall if there are any fresh water system lines running above it against the bulkhead. Turn on your fresh water pump and check for leaks above the genny. If your pump cycles with all the faucets off, then there's a leak somewhere or a faulty check valve in the pump. For your vintage, you probably have the grey Qest lines and fittings. Check the fittings for leaks.

I went to the boat today, started and loaded the genny and let it run about an hour and no apparent leaks. Also checked for a fresh water leak. Nothing found and water level in catch pan did not increase nor in the hull. Is it possible for water to have remained there for several months from when Dale changed the impeller in mid July?

[Viper]

My understanding is that it's pretty humid down your way so I'd say it's possible.

[bud37]

I know this is a few days old, IMO water in the bilge catch pans would take a while to evaporate if there was a skim/sheen of oil on the surface. Dry and clean everything then keep checking.