Weird generator event yesterday

K

k9medic

Active Member
Mar 27, 2013
597
Florida
Boat Info
1998 420 Aft Cabin
Engines
twin 3116 CATs
I started my Westy 8.0 diesel for a short trip that I was going to take to get some fuel.

It started right up and ran great the whole time but when I was docking it mysteriously died.

After tying up, I went back to look at the generator figuring that the impeller might have fallen apart and it stopped due to the lack of water.

I checked the temp gauge and it was right at 180 degrees so I restarted it. When I did, I noticed that the fuel solenoid was only half way in and it was bogging down so I manually opened it until the magnet stuck. After that it pumped water with no issue although unleaded it had a bit of greyish smoke.

Any ideas as to where to start looking? The fuel solenoid is new last year with about 100 hours on it.
 
Doc - I know we have completely different systems, but I had some corrosion on my flow sensor and it was shutting mine down. Your solenoid is new, but maybe some of the connectors on it/ to it have some corrosion...a small wire brush and some corrosion x fixed mine...
 
After checking for electrical issues, don't overlook the obvious. (a bad solenoid). Its hard to wrap our minds around the coinky-dink of a new part failing, but it does happen.
 
The Westerbeke 8BTD fuel solenoid has 2 different windings: one snatches the arm in when the start switch is closed; the other holds the plunger in the run position after the start switch is released.

The “run” winding is weaker since this is a constant use whereas the start winding is designed for momentary use when starting the generator.

I suspect your solenoid has some surface corrosion on the plunger inside the solenoid which weakens the magnetic action and allows it to occasionally lose control of the plunger. The fix is either replace the solenoid or remove it and take it apart and clean the plunger with fine emory cloth.
 
My westerbeke came with a five year warranty. I personally have too many other projects on my boat that aren't done. If yours is new, why don't you have them look at it? Unless your boat is not in need of anything. If that's the case, I envy you. Lead the way!
 
Read that WB warranty carefully. At 4.5 years in, my gen blew a capacitor. Turns out, this issue is only covered for 2 years, and the warranty only covers the part, not the labor. My local certified WB mechanic charged $1200 for this job. Engine parts may be covered for the full 5 years.

My point is, don't assume 5 year warranty means "bumper to bumper."
 
The fuel solenoid is what's new. (and a new back end from January... UGH)
 
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