The Pit. That back section of the lazarette where the generator sits...along with a conglomeration of everything else imaginable. But my reason for venturing into the depths of the Pit were to work on the generator.
First of all, I felt like a warrior approaching a sleeping dragon. The generator still intimidates me. But nonetheless it was broken and I was determined to fix it.
Problem #1 - Fuel pump burned out. This is where we found out the previous
pump was from a diesel VW. Got a different style, adapted it and
we're back in business. We now have fuel. Gen purrs.
Problem #2 - Exhaust isn't right. No water in it. Check exhaust system, find valve
warped. Ok, but doesn't explain it. Chase the problem and find...
Problem #3 - Impeller on raw water pump is worthless. Hitch a ride to a local
car parts/marine/pawn shop and they order the impeller. This is
when we find the raw water pump is the same kind Lamborghini
uses. Impeller comes in, walk about 5 to 6 miles round trip to pick
up the part. Find there is a pool/pump supply store just across the
street. Find parts to fix problem #2.
Everything in hand, tools at the ready, headlamp in place...I descend into the depths of my own private sheol. Replaced the impeller, rebuilt the exhaust system, reconnected the fuel lines. Fired up the beast.
WATER!!! Squirting. Ahem, I meant... SHOOTING, SHOOTING, SPRAYING EVERYWHERE!!!
Now not only am I doing a yoga-esque contortion in the pit in order to work on the generator, I am now doing it in ankle deep raw water. After a check of my connections, I find the heat exchanger has some leaks. I guess that would be:
Problem #4 - Heat Exchanger Leaks
Once again I leave the comfortable breeze and daylight for the languid heat and grave danger (ok, maybe a little dramatic) of the lazarette. Remove said part and cover every weld with JB Weld. That stuff rules! So now it gets ground down/sanded and replaced. A new one will be sought but this will suffice for now (and knowing JB Weld, for a very long time to come...)
...and even though the Pit shall always remained so-named, at least for now the Generator and I have a fragile truce. On bad weeks, the batteries can get a push...I can resume the use of power tools for larger projects without having to go to a dock...and like I told Tim from Galago... "We could even run the microwave...but don't tell Heather. I'm not firing up the generator to warm up a damned muffin..."
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