Leopard Genset Boost Pump

[rndsailing]

Does anyone have specs on the generator boost pump...Has anyone had problems with theirs and what did you use for a replacement?

[a64pilot]

I moved this from forum Support to Multihull Sailboats, I assume that location is OK with you?

I don’t have a Leopard nor a Multihull. But I use a March airconditioner pump for my generator, however I removed the impeller pump as I don’t see the need in two pumps and the impeller pump is a maintenance headache.
If you chose to remove the impeller pump only issue I can see is be sure the pump will pump enough water up to the height required

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, rnd'.


What brand & size generator does Leopard use?

[a64pilot]

Gord, I believe Leopard installs a boost pump that has nothing to do with the generator, they did this I believe due to the vertical distance of the generator from the water was causing the impeller to fail very prematurely as it had to run dry and prime at each use.
I also assume they didn’t remove the generator impeller pump as if they did it would likely void the generator warranty.
Cause two pumps is in my opinion, unnecessary.

If I’m right you won’t find any mention of this pump in the generators manual, but hopefully would the boats manual.

This old thread may help
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...at-198600.html

[tmccaffery]

On my 2017 Leopard 40 there are two (2) fuel pumps for the Northern Lights genset. There is the fuel pump on the unit itself, which is installed forward of the salon, and a booster pump which is installed in the starboard engine space. As far as I can tell, the booster pump is necessary because the genset does not have its own fuel tank. Instead, it shares the starboard fuel tank with the starboard engine. Given the distance from the starboard fuel tank, which is underneath the starboard after cabin, the distance is probably too far for the engine fuel pump to function properly. The photo is of the replacement for the original unit (the ugly wiring has been fixed). I don't have the specs, but can get them when I am next on the boat over the weekend.



In addition to the generator booster pump there is also a Jabsco fuel transfer pump installed in the Port engine space so that the fuel load can be balanced between the two tanks when/where necessary. When installed, this pump is controlled from the helm.

[a64pilot]

Interesting here I was assuming water, but it certainly could be fuel. Wonder if it is?

[jmschmidt]

In all the Leopards (Moorings) I've seen the port main fuel tank supplies the genset and the genset return line runs to the starboard main fuel tank. The older models did not have a transfer switch to transfer fuel from starboard tank back to the port tank. Supposedly there was a way to transfer on the older models by throwing a series of valves but every time I tried to do it I screwed it up. The transfer switch is nice but it is so slow that you have to push the button for a long time to see any result because it is spring-loaded to the OFF position.

[Wmkenney]

Are you asking about the raw water boost pump or the diesel fuel pump? Im confused

[Red Herring]

This is the best solution I have seen to replace the ever troublesome rubber impeller. Brent from Cat Impi does a video on his solution deleting the pump altogether in favour of a magnetically driven remote pump. Great video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BibAbvMeGU8

[Deivis]

On my Leopard 38, 2011 original pump attached. Boght original repacement for 65$ on ebay

[rndsailing]

Sorry guys for taking so long to respond and thanks for all the info. Back on the boat now...I did find the Bosch auxiliary (boost) pump replacement locally at Napa (Dorman Brand) that has re-establish water flow to gen. Amazon also had a replacement, not sure who makes that one but at a 5th of the cost of the Dorman pump. It's arriving today so I'll compare and might keep it as a spare.
I didn't mention, but this is my first week owning this boat and up to my eyelids on things to do! Inexperienced question now resolved , right?
With water flow working and Impeller changed and a dozen bits pulled from the heat exchanger boot, the gen will run all day without a load, but shuts down after a 4-5 minutes once there is a load.

[rndsailing]

Water temp is a stable 179 degrees.

[a64pilot]

Usually two things will cause auto shutdown, overheat of course and low oil pressure.
I’m sure you already have but check oil level.
Sometimes the “Murphy” switches can go bad too.