Generator Removal from a 390 EC

Dave4562

Member
Nov 10, 2019
121
Boat Info
86 390 express cruiser
84 360 aft cruiser twin diesels
Engines
454 Crusaders
Perkins Diesels
I have a 390 EC and it has an old Westerbeke 8kw and I am looking to removing it to put in a newer more efficient generator and system.
the old generator has issues also.
Wondering how much of a problem it is to remove?
 
I have same boat with same generator. I have not had to remove it but it appears it can be removed fairly easily. 1- remove all of the batteries and battery boxes. 2- remove the wooden cross support between the stringers. 3-you may have to remove a few fuel lines/battery cables. 4-disconnect all of the fuel lines, cables and hoses from the generator, slide it forward under the main engine hatch. 5-lift generator straight up to remove. You may need to construct a gantry with a chain hoist to assist in removal.

This can be a DIY project if you are handy but can be expensive if you have to pay mechanics $125/hr. FWIW I would consider getting the existing unit running in place. You don't describe what the "issues" you have with current 8kw unit.
 
It does not put out a steady current so I need to have it rewound or do a newer way.
 
I can't imagine doing that job without using a travel lift crane. The generator is 450lbs. I could see doing it in a travel lift well if the boat was still in the water. It isn't hard to get the old one out and put the new one in. All the time is spent disconnecting and reconnecting the wiring and hoses.

You definitely don't want to drop the old one or the new one.;)
 
It does not put out a steady current so I need to have it rewound or do a newer way.

The generator may or may not need to be rewound. Capacitors and diodes can cause your issues and are cheap and fairly easy to replace. As electrical doctor stated the governor can cause it the "hunt" as well. Who has condemned the generator in the first place. You will be spending many "boat bucks" and it may not be necessary. My WB 8k generator is also original to the boat and runs smooth and quiet. 8k is more than the boat needs and it would be better off with a 6.5k.
 
I agree that the unsteady current problem could be cheaper to fix than a new genset. I just got a quote for a new 7.5 WB at $13k

My 8 kW Westerbeke quit making useable voltage a couple of weeks ago and troubleshooting revealed burned wires at the rectifier and two of the field coils. 4300 hours on the unit and motor runs great. We anchor for long weekends often and load it heavily with both A/C units, water heater, etc. A significantly smaller genset would not work for us. Getting it out will be a chore but doable. I would rather fix it but can't find all of the field coils. I hate to leave 1 of the old coils in place but replace the other 3. Does anyone know if a newer 8kW generator end like a BTG will mate up to the older bell housing? Anyone got a stash of old field coils? No WB distributor has them on the shelf.

Ideas?
 
I had it fixed we went to a rewind place and that was a lot cheaper. I do not use at as much as I should and have been using my 360 AC with all diesel power genset and everything more.
I may end up selling my 390,
 
Can you share the name of the vendor that you used? I have seen a place in FL that rewinds armatures but I was going to ask them about doing field coils. I have been looking for a 500 and will probably move up as soon as I can find the right boat. I have also just spent a ton on new electronics and stereo equipment this winter.
 
Let me check with my marina repairman and get the number
 
Thanks!
 
Thanks, I will contact them.
 
Thanks for directing me to Broward. Very knowledgeable staff. Got my new field coils in last week and will begin the install tomorrow. I will report back if I get it fixed.
 

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