AC or generator

Eluther3

Eluther3

Active Member
Mar 17, 2019
290
Boat Info
1992 Searay 400 EC
Engines
Mercruiser
I am having an issue on my 1992 400 EC. AC works fine on shore power and blows cold. When I am on the generator, the AC doesn't function the same. I can set the AC, but it reverts to the fan.

Is this an issue with the AC, or is the generator not putting out enough power to run the condenser? Any way to test this?

I have only owned the boat for a year, so I don't know how long it's had this issue.
 
Could be as simple as a governor adjustment on the generator.
 
What's the easiest way to test/repair?
 
I'd start by firing up the generator and checking the voltage at any of the electrical outlets on the boat. If it's less than 110 (maybe 105'ish), your generator isn't putting out enough
 
hottoddie said:
Not all generators turn 3600 rpms. In fact most turn 1800 rpms.
Click to expand...

For gas powered generators Kohler's tend to be 3600 RPM, Westerbeke and some other brands tend to be 1800 RPM.

Searay went through a long period of time where they were putting Kohler's in their gas powered boats.


Anyways, the right place to start is to get a reading of the output voltage. The easiest and (probably) safest way to do that is to take a reading at an outlet on the boat while the generator is running.
 
SmilingMonkey said:
For gas powered generators Kohler's tend to be 3600 RPM, Westerbeke and some other brands tend to be 1800 RPM.

Searay went through a long period of time where they were putting Kohler's in their gas powered boats.


Anyways, the right place to start is to get a reading of the output voltage. The easiest and (probably) safest way to do that is to take a reading at an outlet on the boat while the generator is running.
Click to expand...

Early to late 90's SR's had Quicksilver gensets as well. I would suspect a 92 400EC (OP) has the Quicksilver.
 
The point is, the generator motor has to run at a specific RPM to work correctly. It's likely his generator has other other issues, but making sure the engine is running correctly is a good/easy place to start.

Engine rpm is determined by the generator size and frequency.
2pole / 60hz = 3600rpm
4pole / 60hz = 1800rpm
 
Update - We were in the boat this weekend and we noticed the AC issues were occurring while we are on shore power. Both front and rear AC units would cut off about 5 minutes after turning on. I'm turning my attention to the AC unit. I would suspect the compressor would be the first place to check.
 
Eluther3 said:
Update - We were in the boat this weekend and we noticed the AC issues were occurring while we are on shore power. Both front and rear AC units would cut off about 5 minutes after turning on. I'm turning my attention to the AC unit. I would suspect the compressor would be the first place to check.
Click to expand...

If it's both, you are having a water issue. Clean the strainer and blow out the lines.
 
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