loose oil fill cap on generator

TexasBryan

Member
Oct 12, 2017
54
College Station, TX
Boat Info
2001 52' Prima Seahorse
Sold: 2001 Sedan Bridge 400
Engines
Cummins 6CTA 8.3
We were out for a slow cruise on smooth waters recently. When we returned to the dock, I found that the oil fill cap on the generator had apparently vibrated off. Any advice for creating a tighter fit on the oil fill cap so this does not recur? Generator is a Westerbeke BTD 8kw.

Thank you,
 
In the parts manual for your generator it looks like the cap has threads which should tighten up when you screw in the cap. Perhaps it wasn't screwed in all the way the last time the oil was changed? I've wrapped plumbers tape around the threads to hold a gas cap on an old lawn mower. You need to replace the tape each time you change the oil but it worked.

If you have the other type cap with the metal tabs that fit in the slots, you can use a pair of pliers to bend the metal tabs out a little further which will take up the play.
 
Yes, the cap has threads, but when screwed on, it turns very easily and does not seem to have any "hold". I was considering maybe something like teflon tape on the oil cap threads? Another option would be to rig some type of external wire tie if I can find something to attach the wire to. I have not been able to find a source for a replacement cap.
 
Teflon tape is what I referred to as plumber's tape. If it has threads I'd just do that, it should take up all the play.
 
I was thinking about teflon tape but I might be afraid that the tape shreddings would fall into the valve train. If so, they might just wind up in the filter, but maybe not (?)
 
how about an o-ring on the top of the threaded area so it creates a little tension when snugged down.
 
Sublime, the cap has an O ring, but trying a replacement O ring might just do the trick.
 

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