Generator underway

[Minnewaska]

Neither my gen manual, nor its engine supplement address whether the genset should be running with the boat heeled over to the rail. Intuition suggests it would be just fine while relatively upright. I can't tell if the oil sump is effective when held over. As a result, I typically will not run it underway and that isn't usually a problem, as we'll run it in the morning and evening, which is plenty to keep this charged. However, there are systems that require it to be on to run at all and we're contemplating a longer trip where that could be an issue for longer passages.

Is there any general consensus or information? I have an 8kw Mase gen with a Yanmar engine (don't have model # handy)
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[sailingdog]

Why not call the manufacturer and ask them.

[Minnewaska]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Why not call the manufacturer and ask them.

I called Mase North America for a replacement part over the summer. Not the sharpest blades in the drawer and suspect they are simply distributors. Was hoping to shake out some info here before trying Italy.

[svHyLyte]

In theory one can operate the engine at up to 25 deg of inclination although I would not do so. See Mase Generators from Marine Diesel Direct-Manuals

[cormeum]

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

In theory one can operate the engine at up to 25 deg of inclination although I would not do so. See Mase Generators from Marine Diesel Direct-Manuals

Note, that's a fixed angle of heel (which doesn't happen underway)

[billyruffn]

I've run our genset (Kohler w/ Yanmar) underway for years with no significant problems, but we rarely exceed 15 deg of heel. I've found the biggest problem with running it while underway is that the engine mounts will sometimes vibrate loudly when we slide off a wave reaching in a quartering sea-- I think it's the combination of heel angle and the sideways momentum that causes the engine mounts to bottom out for a moment or two .

I believe the big issue with heel angle is oil getting to the engine -- experiment with different heel angles and keep an eye on the oil pressure. If you keep the rail out of the water I doubt you'll have a problem.

[St Anna]

Originally Posted by billyruffn

I've run our genset (Kohler w/ Yanmar) underway for years with no significant problems, but we rarely exceed 15 deg of heel. I've found the biggest problem with running it while underway is that the engine mounts will sometimes vibrate loudly when we slide off a wave reaching in a quartering sea-- I think it's the combination of heel angle and the sideways momentum that causes the engine mounts to bottom out for a moment or two .

I believe the big issue with heel angle is oil getting to the engine -- experiment with different heel angles and keep an eye on the oil pressure. If you keep the rail out of the water I doubt you'll have a problem.

I have the same kohler/yanmar genset. I have run it underway - very cheap on the diesel.

I didnt think that angle of heel could affect it. Thanks for the heads up Billy.

Why would this be an issue for the genset and not also the main engine (yanmar)with respect to oil getting out of the sump, unless the oil is low?

[tommays]

Most main motors are in the middle of the boat in more or less the same location with a pretty good chance of the same oil supply on port and starboard

A generator could be most anyplace they were able to jam it in to port or starboard and not necessary installed correctly

[SVAuspicious]

Read the installation manual. That document usually has maximum extent of inclination for continuous operation.

Offshore, if we're healing significantly and need to run the generator to charge batteries I'll put an extra reef in the main to stand up a bit.

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by cormeum

Note, that's a fixed angle of heel (which doesn't happen underway)

I don't have a dog in this fight. The OP asked a question and I answered and included a reference for good measure. The permitted angle of inclination is based upon the maximum that will still allow the oil pick-up in the sump to function. Beyond that angle for more than a few seconds, the pick-up will be starved and the pressure switch will shut the engine/generator down.