450: 450S Generator Install Mod

[Pascals Wager]

I'm installing a generator in my 450S and planning to follow the installed location for exhaust etc as per Lagoon. Before I do has any one modified their install or seen any improvements that could be made? Also has anyone set up fuel tank balancing between engine tanks?

Thanks.

[Krabimike]

My 450S came with the Gen but we have had problems with the raw water system creating a vacuum and not allowing the primer pump to fill the reservoir. They are still working on the fix. I my be wrong but I think it is as simple as they located the through hull to high when the boat pitches it creates a air lock. You might consider the location of the through hull and the plumbing, as not to allow air into the system. Just a thought. Also we have a valve at the Gen we can switch from fuel tank to fuel tank.

[anthonyp0808]

Originally Posted by Krabimike

... the raw water system creating a vacuum and not allowing the primer pump to fill the reservoir.

You may want to consider a run dry impeller from Globe Marine.

[Bean Counter]

We have a 450 F, the lift pump in the bilge is sufficient to drive raw water throughout the 11 KVA Onan system, (so no need for rubber impellers anywhere), however it is a Jabsco cyclone metal vane and needs to remain primed. There should be a check valve at the raw water through hull that stops the water flowing back out, but it only takes a small piece of weed caught in the valve to let the water seep back out in choppy conditions. A solution maybe to put a strainer between the raw water inlet and check valve (will need regular clean out). We had a spring type brass check valve initially but it was too easily susceptible to the weed issue. Replaced it with a swing gate check valve and have had few problems since. Am yet to put the strainer in mentioned above ... one day...

[davedindubai]

Hi Pascals Wager,

I don't know if you follow Impi on youtube but here's a great vid of what I think is the perfect fuss free solution. The generator stuff is about 10 mins in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpRnpSvjypo&t=818s

they have a 440 Lagoon and are half way around the world so far.

[Pascals Wager]

Thanks for the ideas, tank selector at the gen set would solve the balancing question I like that.

[davedindubai]

Yes, plus the March pump for water intake and do away with changing impellors

[Pascals Wager]

Krabimike I have the thru hull installed low and close to the centre of the hull which should not suck air, thanks for the tip. If you get time can you post a photo of the battery and exhaust location that Lagoon have used on the 450S?

[Krabimike]

[Krabimike]

Hope this is what you were looking for. My guess is that it would be the same on the 450L as the 450S

[Pascals Wager]

Thanks Mike that was what I was after

[PaulinOz]

FYI in the original factory install Generator on my L450F, the gen battery is kept fully charged by a separate 25 amp /230 volt AC charger. Not sure if there is any other mechanism, in the generator to charge the battery.

[Pascals Wager]

I was planning on connecting the gen battery to the 60/40 charging circuit. I will ponder the benefit of its own charger. Thanks Paul

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[PaulinOz]

Quote: "I was planning on connecting the gen battery to the 60/40 charging circuit. I will ponder the benefit of its own charger. Thanks Paul"

Do not know if that is a good idea, unless the Christec 60/40 is made redundant by a Inverter/charger.

You would be putting generator battery in Parallel with your house bank. potential for one system to drag the other down, just when you may want to start Generator because of a flat house bank.


If the 60/40 is spare then all good. My 60/40 is not in use but I left installed but switched off. Gives a good back up if the Victron inverter/charger ever fails and if your house bank ever gets real low I can switch in an extra 100 amps of charging off the generator as required.

[Pascals Wager]

This install is still ongoing, getting distracted by competing tasks. My boat doesn't have an earthing plate installed presumably because it came without the generator. The electrical engineer says it's not required as he'll connect the A/C earthing circuit to the Generator itself. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated thanks.