Strainer - Generator

[ruwallydog]

On my 340 the strainer for the generator is located on the firewall right between the two engines about a foot from the bottom of the bilge. I have had multiple attempts trying to contort my body into the right position to gain enough leverage to get the darn thing off so I can clean it....So far no luck!  I have either a clogged strainer or worn out impeller, as the generator is not getting water through it. At this point I may never know for sure.

Please tell me Rinker moved this to a better location on the 342. Not that it helps me any, but at least I would feel better about it.  Short of lowering a five year old into the bilge with a wrench while holding on to his ankles I am out of ideas. Anyone have any thoughts or a special tool I can use to get to this thing?

p.s.

I remember reading stories on this board where one of you had to clean  jelly fish parts out of the strainer while on the hook in the middle of the night. All I can say is thank God there are no jelly fish in the lake because I would be totally screwed.

Thanks for the help!

-kurt

[bloving]

Kurt,
This may not make you feel any better or not, but the strainer on the 342 is in the same location.  Not easy at all to get to.  What's even harder is replacing it. Good Luck.

[alswagg]

The 342 has more room to access the strainer, yes it is in same location but much easier to remove.  The 330-340 Fiesta Vee is a little cramped for space,  You should see a big block version.  lol   Good luck  Al

[frodo13056]

Kurt -
I've never seen where the strainer is on a 340 or a 342 but it's not too bad on a 320 but still a little tough to get at. I use one of the rubber strap type oil filter wrenches to loosen my strainer cup. I have no idea how it magically tightens itself over the season but I sure do not gronk down on it to the point where it's near impossible to remove it. I also use a little oil on the seal but it does not seem to help much. I'm pretty sure gremlins board my boat while I'm not there and gronk down on the strainer and engine oil filters.

Here's an example of a strap wrench:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ADUSTABLE-RUBBER-BAND-STRAP-PIPE-OIL-FILTER-WRENCH-TOOL-/280480846367

This strap wrench is what I use:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/NTESearch?storeId=6970&N=0&Ntk=All&Ntt=rubber+strap+wrench&Nty=1&D=rubber+strap+wrench&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&cmnosearch=PPC&cm_ven=google_PPC&cm_cat=HandTools&cm_pla=generic&cm_ite=rubber strap wrench&mkwid=swtxbyX9B&pcrid=8009858471&mt=b

Good luck!

[B-Juled]

Kurt,
I have the same problem on the 360 as well. While I get a little more space, the damn gremlins practically superglued the bulb to the housing. I am think of changing the strainer to one that is easier to remove.
Bryan

[trich11]

Kurt-The guys are right, no better on my 342. I had an issue with the fresh water strainer in the aft cabin and ended up disconnecting it from the hoses and was then able to get it apart. I now have a complete spare strainer assembly because I was sure I was going to break it when I tried to get it apart.

[Dream 'Inn]

Well, I've done mine several times, and yes I have sucked in the jelly a few times.  Not too bad on the 310 to clean out.  I've also worked in a 342, and a 340.  Both are a bit tougher to work on, but the 340 is definitely the worst of all three, hands down!

[ruwallydog]

Thanks Everyone!

I am going to order the strap wrench that Frodo suggested. With the new strap wrench, 8 more weeks on the Atkins Diet, and some Yoga classes  I hope to get the strainer off by next Spring.  

Glad to know I am not alone in my quest.

Wish me luck!

[Le Meez]

I guess Rinker improved during the years. The genny strainer in our 340 is right in the wide open, in fact you have to be careful you don't step on it as it isn't close to anything.

[Scupper Guppy]

........ Anyone have any thoughts or a special tool I can use to get to this thing?..........

Most marinas have the right tool to clean these. Just tell them you want to borrow their magic strainer wand to clean yours out.

[Black_Diamond]

use plumbers grease on the o-ring and threads.  it makes it a lot easier to unscrew!  you can get it for $1 or so at any plumbing location.

[alswagg]

I was winterizing an early 340 yesterday.  I removed the gen stainer cup buy laying on the cockpit floor and leaniing down into the bilge, with both hands, I could unthread the stainer cup.   I could just reach the strainer, another inch down and I would not have done it.  I need to go on a diet.  lol   Al