3kw Westerbeke gen

[papogator24]

Hey guys,

I haven't been on in forever as I've been remodeling my house. Because of the remodeling, the boat has sat for almost 3 months. Just last week, I started the boat and it ran just like new. However, that is not the case with the generator. It cranks for about 15 seconds and then stops.

I spoke to my generator guy and he says that it is most likely the ethanol fuel that collects the water and seperates the fuel. He suggest that I spray starter fluid into the air intake while cranking the generator. Is this a good way to go?

Would it be wise to change the spark plugs as well?

Thanks.

 

[papogator24]

uhhh help?

 

[chuck1]

I'm afraid this is going to be one of those loaded questions. Yes I would recommend changing the spark plugs. Low cost and it can't hurt.

Now to the starter fluid. Even if I would spay starter fluid in my engine not sure I would tell others to do it on an open forum.

 

[Presentation]

Pull the plugs and look at them. Are they wet or do they look good?

I would start with new plugs.

 

[papogator24]

Pull the plugs and look at them. Are they wet or do they look good?

I would start with new plugs.

Do you know what plugs the generator uses? I cant find my part list with the model number. I looked at westerbeke and they only give the part number.

 

[Presentation]

Do you know what plugs the generator uses? I cant find my part list with the model number. I looked at westerbeke and they only give the part number.

Boy they sure make it difficult.

I have the A kit and I know I have spare spark plugs in that.

Unless you find out before then I'll look this weekend and report back.

 

[papogator24]

I will see if I can get the actual model of the spark plug. But yes, go ahead and get it this weekend. I'd appreciate it.

 

[RiverRat]

I would drain the carb., change the fuel filter(s) check and either clean or replace the plugs. Then I would put down the hammer, hook the boat to the truck and do a bit of boating and run out the present fuel, get some fresh fuel in it, then try restarting the gen. I would recommend AGAINST using starting fluid.

 

[papogator24]

Can you tell me why you're against using starting fluid? Forgive me but I am still learning.

 

[Lauralex]

Can you tell me why you're against using starting fluid? Forgive me but I am still learning.

Probably because it's explosive and if it backfires thru the carb you'll most likely be standing in a cloud of it that will turn you into Kojak at the very least. Starting fluid is ok if you're trying to start a lawn mower or a rototiller in the open air, but in a closed compartment in a boat seems like not such a great idea.

Small engines do not like sour fuel and can foul out the plugs quickly. I agree with the advice you were given above. Fresh fuel and fresh plugs will go far.

 

[papogator24]

Probably because it's explosive and if it backfires thru the carb you'll most likely be standing in a cloud of it that will turn you into Kojak at the very least. Starting fluid is ok if you're trying to start a lawn mower or a rototiller in the open air, but in a closed compartment in a boat seems like not such a great idea.

Small engines do not like sour fuel and can foul out the plugs quickly. I agree with the advice you were given above. Fresh fuel and fresh plugs will go far.

Thanks.

I am still waiting on the plugs then will get to work.

 

[RiverRat]

You can also cause engine damage with starting fluid...(Like blowing the heads off and such) and as lauralex said in the bilge all it would take is a backfire through the carb and...

 

[lovestocruise]

Make sure your plugs are cleand and your air filter, also make sure your choke is working. Check for cracks in your hoses and that your impellar is not burnt out.
Also check that there is no blockage in your sea cock hoses and that water is flowing freely.

 

[chuck1]

Probably because it's explosive and if it backfires thru the carb you'll most likely be standing in a cloud of it that will turn you into Kojak at the very least. Starting fluid is ok if you're trying to start a lawn mower or a rototiller in the open air, but in a closed compartment in a boat seems like not such a great idea.

Small engines do not like sour fuel and can foul out the plugs quickly. I agree with the advice you were given above. Fresh fuel and fresh plugs will go far.

+1:thumbsup:

 

[papogator24]

Well, I got the generator running today after work. I sprayed some carb cleaner into the intake and let it sit for 5 minutes before starting. I did this about 3 times and on the 4th start...it stayed running. I ran it for about 15 minutes. I also added fuel stabil into my fuel tank because the boat has sat for 3 months. I will start the generator tomorrow to see if it will work again.

Presentation: I called westerbeke and they gave me the model of the spark plug. It is
NGK R/DCPR6E

 

[Lauralex]

Well, I got the generator running today after work. I sprayed some carb cleaner into the intake and let it sit for 5 minutes before starting. I did this about 3 times and on the 4th start...it stayed running. I ran it for about 15 minutes. I also added fuel stabil into my fuel tank because the boat has sat for 3 months. I will start the generator tomorrow to see if it will work again.

Presentation: I called westerbeke and they gave me the model of the spark plug. It is
NGK R/DCPR6E

In my small engine experience this means that one of the tiny air bleeds in the carb got varnished over and was giving a bad signal to the venturi. Looks like you fixed it, but I'd still change the plug and get some fresher fuel in there. Question: Is it possible to cut the fuel to the gen so you can run it completely out of fuel (like you would a lawn mower or snowblower?) Might not be a bad idea if not using it for a while (as protective maintenance...) :huh:

 

[papogator24]

In my small engine experience this means that one of the tiny air bleeds in the carb got varnished over and was giving a bad signal to the venturi. Looks like you fixed it, but I'd still change the plug and get some fresher fuel in there. Question: Is it possible to cut the fuel to the gen so you can run it completely out of fuel (like you would a lawn mower or snowblower?) Might not be a bad idea if not using it for a while (as protective maintenance...) :huh:

I've never heard of a venturi. I think I better go get educated on carburetors. I still have the plugs and I am planning on changing them out. Just didn't have enough time since I got home at 7 and went to work on it immediately before dark. Saturday will be the day to change the plugs.

I think the only way to cut the fuel to the gen is to install a valve but I am not that mechanically inclined to do that.

The only reason the boat was sitting is because I was remodeling my house. The boat will definitely be put to use now.

 

[Lauralex]

I've never heard of a venturi. I think I better go get educated on carburetors. I still have the plugs and I am planning on changing them out. Just didn't have enough time since I got home at 7 and went to work on it immediately before dark. Saturday will be the day to change the plugs.

I think the only way to cut the fuel to the gen is to install a valve but I am not that mechanically inclined to do that.

The only reason the boat was sitting is because I was remodeling my house. The boat will definitely be put to use now.

As air passes thru the carb, there is a small hole that the air runs by and fuel comes out of that small hole and into the engine. If that hole gets clogged with dried up fuel residue or grit, it won't work. I'll bet the carb cleaner dissolved the fuel residue and the thing fired up for ya. At least that's my take on it. (Had similar problems like this before.)

If you're going to fire that up at least once a month should be fine then. I'd try to clean those plugs up and save them as spares unless they're really shot. Should look like they have light brownish thin powder on them if thye're good. Good luck!