Marine Generator air filter/spark arrestor service saves fuel

This one is very easy and only takes a few moments.  Depending on your environment you should do this annually.  Open the hatch and locate the air cleaner/spark arrestor. You most likely have a westerbeke generator. This sits atop the carburetor or fuel injection air inlet. In either case remove the rubber hose that is simply slid onto it. Look under it and locate the holding clamp that's securing it to inlet. Using a standard screwdriver loosen the screw and lift up on the unit.  Once removed you should see three screws on the top of the unit. Remove them while holding the ny-loc nuts on the underside. This will allow you to remove the wire mesh arrestor/filter.  Wash the wire mesh screen with Dawn dishwashing detergent and hot water. Rinse well and reassemble in reverse order.  Remember that hose that you just slid back on?   Follow it to the other end and there you will find it attached to the PCV valve.  (Positive crankcase ventilation) Remove it and remove the PCV valve for inspection.  It should be free and rattle if shaken back and forth. The best medicine is to get a replacement the next time your at a parts store. These are very inexpensive but do a very important job. In an effort not to confuse the parts guy. Take it with you and have him match it up. Most likely your Generator is a Mitsubishi engine.  After getting the new one simply re-install.  Don't run the engine without this valve. 

Uncle Ricky says this ones easy and can save some fuel.